BLW or Traditional Weaning?

Which way I choose to feed my little one? BLW or traditional way?
if you are yet to have a baby, you might just want to skip this post; or you may continue reading for your future reference. :) 

Honestly, I tried Baby Led Weaning first; but I just can't stand the way baby got gagged (quite similar expression like choke). I knew it was normal to gag a bit; but I was still worried.

BLW also created a big mess for me; I remembered that my little one LOVE to throw every food on the floor! I was so disappointed after all the effort that I had done to prepare the food. So,  I gave up on BLW.

I weaned baby Jayden at the age of 6 months old. I started with potato, carrot, broccoli, apple, small anchovies, fish & also porridge. After a week of pureeing, I stopped because it was just too troublesome for me. Then, I steamed food till soft and mashed it with back of the knife/fork and chopped it finely. At the first few weeks of weaning, he took just a couple of spoon and stopped. He didn't go for it instantly.

I trained him to eat by himself with fruits such as apple, orange, blueberries. Now, he can even feed us food. Most of the time; he just sits there and waits for us to feed him with his big mouth opens. If I neglect him, he sounds "ahhh" for food. Basically, I don't have a good time to enjoy my food.

One thing to share; try only one new food per time. Baby Jayden got red rashes when he ate salmon porridge; which we believe he had an allergy reaction to that. Pediatrician advised to let him try again after 1 year old; I have yet to try.

In the point of nutrition view, I think both method could be choose as long as your little one is eating in all the nutrient. Let them try and explore every food. Every baby, every caregivers and every parents are in different situations, choose what suits you and baby the most.

Thankfully Jayden is a good eater; he is willing to try any new food (especially when everyone is on the table). Till now, I'm still spoon feeding him. :)

Jayden smiling happily after his food.
He's sitting on Jelly Mom Wise Chair.
I simply love how portable and transformable the chair is. 
It's now a booster chair. 

Love,
Yvonne

What's Your Job as a Nutritionist?

When we are sick, we look for a doctor. When our toilet is clogged, we look for a plumber.
When we are having toothache, we look for a dentist. When our car break down, we look for a mechanic.
But, do you realize that when we are looking for nutrition advice; we search on the internet; ask our relatives and friends; learn from supplement or food promoters. Do you know that there is a professional healthcare officer that you can look for?
Nutritionist and dietitian are experts that promote healthy lifestyle through food; with evidence based nutrition knowledge and without any bias.

You might have these questions in mind.
Is there any difference in between dietitian and nutritionist?
To be simple, dietitian can work in clinical settings; whereas nutritionist can't. This is because dietitian completes clinical attachment or practice. For example, dietitian can prescribe medical nutrition therapy towards cancer recovering patients or tube feeding patients; but nutritionist can't. Dietitian can treat ill patients, but nutritionist can't. Nutritionist play an important role to create health awareness.

Can anyone be nutritionist?

** Updates on July 2020** Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774) is to be enforced! Meaning to say nutritionists and dietitians need to register ourselves in order to practice our health services. 
Right now, there is no rules or law to be a nutritionist in Malaysia; therefore, you might find a lot of "self-recognize" nutritionist in the market; with limited nutrition knowledge or bias opinion. But, there are still a number of nutritionists who have complete their university studies and are well trained to consult people regarding their diet. I am proud to say that I am a nutritionist; graduated from The Ohio State University (USA) with B.Sc. in Human Ecology, major in Human Nutrition, Dietetics Option; and I have been working in healthcare industry for 4 years and still continuing my passion.

So,
when you are confuse on which food product to choose; ask a nutritionist to learn about food labeling. When you are confuse whether to take supplement; ask a nutritionist to assess on your nutritional and health needs. When you want to lose weight healthily; ask a nutritionist to plan and personalize your meal. When you want to create a healthy workplace; ask a nutritionist to conduct health talk or program. 

Nutrition is a growing field which has a lot of new things/researches popping up; but lacking of time to proof it right or wrong yet. I am learning and updating myself everyday and would like to share my nutrition knowledge towards the society.  I truly believe healthy eating makes a difference.

If you are looking for nutritionist, have tons of questions about your food; please contact me at nutrition.goodness. Visit GOODNESS page today. 

What You Don't Know About Breastfeeding

What makes me write about this? Cause I am in pain! I have been suffering from clogged milk ducts for 2 times in a row; having fever and shiver. I had multiple times of clogged milk ducts throughout this 7 months; but this time is serious; the pain is no kidding. Let's just forget about the benefits of breastfeeding for a second; let me shout out at how painful it is!

I can touch and feel small little pebble-like lumps at my breast area. Yup not one lump, but lumpSSS. I can see redness on my breast.What even worse? When milk clots at nipple; the milk turns dry and hard; forms a small white dot at nipple. If you want to know how it looks like search the word "milk bleb/ milk blister". My breast gets bigger and bigger, feel like it's going to burst; but it's not; it's as hard as a stone. (I DO NOT EXAGGERATE) 

What to do?
Latch
I quickly get back from my workplace and latch my baby. Baby suction is different from breast pump or hand expression. Of course, at the first place, baby rejected to latch, cause there's no flow. I try to communicate with baby and let baby latch as much as he can. I can't agree more; the best way to get unclogged duct is to continue nursing baby.

Massage & Hand Express
Before I start the real game of massaging the lumps, I use ice pack to cold compress the sore part of my breast; cold compress helps to soothe the pain for a while.My personal tip is always massage from the armpit towards outer breast and then nipple. Another tip is to slowly press on 乳根穴 a massage point below our 5th rib bone; align with our nipple, at our lower breast.
Then follow by, hand express to make sure breast is empty. At this moment of pain, I prefer to hand express as it allows me to control the speed and strength unlike breast pump. And ya, after multiple times of warm soak, massage and hand express, things get better, the milk bleb gets softer and able to be removed with my finger tips. I moisture my nipple using my own breast milk; just apply it over and over again.

Rest
I think this is the most crucial thing; sufficient rest is the best recovery method. I literally just sleep throughout the day and night but routinely wake up to pump. When this happens, it's very important to get supports from the other half. TQ dar for fully take charge of baby on that day. ♥

* If all these can't help to soothe your situation, please please consult a doctor.    

As a working mom, routine of work plus breastfeeding is honestly not easy. But will I continue breastfeeding? YES, YES, YES I WILL.  Although breastfeed baby get sick too, but I believe all the nutrients, antibodies, vitamins, minerals are the best for baby! It's all worth it for my little one!

Together with all the efforts that I have done, I am blessed with good supply of milk.So, checkout some useful tips that I have been practicing daily to keep my milk supply. If I skip any of these, then "OH NO".

Choose the correct bra 
A wrong bra not only hurts my breast; but causes clogged duct. I am currently wearing Shapee Nuring Bra.
*If you got to know any great nursing bras, please shares with me too.

Drink plenty of water 
I need a lot of water during breastfeeding; As 88% of breast milk is made up of water. Not just 1.5 litres of water, I also drink plenty of liquid, not just soup during meals but also dessert soups, milk and oat drink. PS oats have  beta-glucans that act as milk booster too.Thanks to my MIL and my mummy; they both cook realgood soups.

Schedule pumping 
Our body is smart; if you empty the milk in the mammary gland; it will reproduce. So the more frequent you empty your breast; the more milk you will get. When I was at home with my baby for the first 2 months, I pump after I breastfeed my baby; cause newborn baby has small stomach, he can't empty my breast.  I fix my schedule to pump; if I delay my schedule; I will get lumps at my breast. Now that my milk supply is steady,  I only pump 3 times per day, 5-6 hours apart; and breastfeed before sleep.
* Want to know what breast pump I am using, check on this post  Being A New Mom.
Everyone is different. As a mum, I believe we know what's the best for us and  baby !

Baby Jayden is 7 months 4 weeks old ; growing up into a big baby. He crawls, sits,eats solid food and grows teeth (Sprouted 2 bottom teeth). Mummy hopes you grow up happily and healthily.

Love,

Yvonne  

Being a New Mom

Can you believe this?  Jayden is already 3 months 4 weeks old. When people ask me how does it feel to be a new mom? Honestly, the first word pops up in mind is TIRING! (If you see me, please ignore my panda eyes. >.<) There is no break during this 3 months. It's overwhelming; be it mentally or physically. There are so many things to learn.... so much more than I ever imagine...

First Touch
The moment when I first hold my baby; all those pains just left behind. Yes; those pains just magically disappeared for sometime. (30 minutes maybe? LOL, then there was still more or less contraction pain) . He did not look as wrinkle as I thought; nor dirty as I thought; but he was small in size with a pair of big eyes.

Our very first family photo ♥ 

Full of sweats!

Milk Job 
Upon his arrival, I started my job as a milk machine. I am thankful to have guidance from nurses at Penang Adventist Hospital. Each time when baby was brought to my ward, the nurse stood by my side; helped me to adjust position (cradle, football, sleeping position; you named it ) ; then only left when baby started to suck. With their help, I was not so panic to breastfeed my little one.

The challenge started when I was back to confinement center. Since Jayden had a slightly high bilirubin level, the nurse tried to convince me to formula feed. She even fed him with formula claiming that it was upon my husband's agreement. I was mad; sad; confused; and helpless. I kept questioning myself, should I let my baby formula-fed. I insisted on breastfeeding. That was the time when all the emotions broke down. I cried almost everyday for the first week. (I believe that was so called postpartum blues)

I was on antibiotic and pain killer medication for a week due to open stitches; with dr.'s advice, I continue to breastfeed my baby. I even called Kangaroo Club breastfeeding support group to seek for help and answered my query. Breastfeeding is not always blissful. When bottle-feed was introduced, there were some days that baby had nipple confusion. I saw my baby struggling in front of my nipple; unable to catch and suck. It was tough at the first place but things got better.

It's all worth it when he sleeps in my arms after nursing
I can feel the bond in between me and my baby ♥ 

Now that I resume my job, I am a fully breast pump mom; my baby only latches at night. During the day, my babysitter bottle- feeds him. I am using Cimilre F1 handsfree double breast pump which was given by my sister-in-law. It serves me well! It has 2 different modes: massage and expression with different intensity levels. I love that it's small and compact but has powerful suction. A good breast pump is the best investment. I did have several times of clogged milk duct which was so uncomfortable and painful; my breast was as hard as a stone. 
I learnt from my lesson; these are tips to prevent and treat clogged milk duct: 
1. pump on time ( 1st & 2nd month: every 2-3 hours; 3rd month: 4-6 hours) 
2. hand massage while pumping
3. drink plenty of water
4. use warm towel to massage; don't leave it unattended even it's just a little clog
5. let baby latch on (trust me, it will be painful at the first place; but after a while, the magic door will open, and there will be smooth flow of milk) 

My buddy - Cimilre F1 !

Sleepless Nights 
If you think that babies are good sleeper, then you are absolutely wrong. Jayden used to wake up every 2 hours for milk during his first week at home. He did not wake up silently but cried loudly for milk/comfort. And I got to accept that crying is the only way a newborn baby expressed his feelings! I was like a zombie back then (no kidding! ) but thankfully he is now sleeping well. ( 4-6 hours stretch * Finger crossed!* ) He sleeps in his own baby cot, besides our bed. We are so afraid to wake him up again so we tip toe in our room. (like a thief  lol!) I even used to wake up looking for my baby. Those mentally insecure is just deep inside my heart.

Hands up when he sleeps soundly  !

Smile & Coo
These days, I start to understand his cues and things get easier. The fun part begins when he starts to smile, giggle, and coo. His smile and touch melts my heart.

We are learning together, my son.

Love,
Yvonne

My Pregnancy Journey

Counting down! Bey and I are expecting our baby's arrival in less than a month.  We are so amaze about this wonderful journey; some of the days I still can't believe there is a baby in my tummy!

My pregnancy journey began when I did not have my menses on time; which was not the norm. My colleague suggested for urine pregnancy test. I was like "seriously?" With her ac-companion, we got a Urine Pregnancy Test kit at the nearest pharmacy. The next morning, the first thing I did was rush to the toilet and collect my first urine sample. (I was told to collect first urine sample of the day to get the most accurate result.) I asked Bey to wait outside the washroom; I knew he was at the door. I dipped on the strip and asked him in.We both stared on the strip; and it gradually appeared 2 pink lines.

Referring to interpretation of result, 2 lines means positive. 

I burst into tears. I had all kinds of feelings at that moment: surprised, stunned, worried, happy... Bey hugged me tightly; he was even more ready than I was. He was so happy to change his status as a proud daddy!

Being in my new position as a mum, I was worried. I need a professional Dr. consultation to solve my questions in mind. As suggested by my friend who is a mum herself, I went to Penang Adventist Hospital. When I was there, the nurse asked "which Dr. would you like to meet?" I did not know who is famous and have no specific preference. So, I met with Dr. Selma Ng. I feel comfortable with her. Since then, I follow up at PAH and do not go to Klinik Kesihatan.

During my first trimester, I spent 3 weeks with my beloved toilet bowl. LOL. It's true, not being exaggerate. We all know that most pregnant ladies suffer morning sickness. But, I seriously did not expect it to be that bad. I didn't feel like eating, vomited out everything, till I saw green liquid (which I believe it was bile juice). I lost 2 kgs, I was 48 kg. When things get worse, I was prescribed with Gaviscon which can relieve gastric re- flux; but it didn't work for me; it was even worse. I only took once and I stopped it. Luckily, things got better after my vacation at Sabah and I started to enjoy my pregnancy! Checkout my Sabah trip here.

Baby Center

I download BabyCenter app and keep track on my baby everyday. It is a very useful app which shares daily articles and weekly updates on baby size. When my baby bump started to be noticeable, I got a lot of advice from family members. People are most likely concern about my weight. The most common question that I receive "You got eat or not? Why you look so thin?" Due to that, I started to increase a meal per day , I make it a practice to snack after work.

Talking about food intake during pregnancy; below are some of the dos and don'ts  that I have been practicing. (Those label * are based on gynae's advice, others are based on customs and traditions; don't ask me why can't eat; LOL.)
Don't eat  
1. Half boiled egg, watery egg.* prevent food-borne illness
2. Sushi/sashimi (cold/ raw food items) * prevent food-borne illness
3. Rojak (Prawn sauce)
4. Chee Cheong Fan (Prawn sauce)
5. Laksa
6. Unripe papaya
7. Yellow mee/ wantan mee (starting from last trimester)

Eat less
1. Crab
2. Octopus / squid
3. Cold food (ice-cream, ice drink, smoothie)

Eat more
1. Milk to increase calcium intake
2. Cheese to increase calcium intake
3. Fruits& Vegetables to increase fiber intake, prevent constipation
4. Black sesame/ black soya drink to increase iron intake
5. Fish to increase omega 3 intake
6. White Fungus
7. Bird Nest
8. Coconut water (Starting from third trimester, I take once per week )
9. Folic acid 5mg supplement *
10. Obimin Plus supplement *

Each month, we are looking forward to meet up our gynae. This is because during each visit Dr. Selma will perform ultrasound to check on our baby. (Each follow up visitation costs around RM130. Other extra charges base on blood/ urine/ swab test) We are able to look at our baby form the monitor screen, baby grows from a tiny bean size to a melon size; and now to a newborn miniature. Without my own eyes, I won't believe in this miracle. By the end of second trimester, I was asked to monitor on baby kicks. At the first place, I was confused about the movement, I was not confident whether it was baby moving or not. But when the kicks get stronger, I am able to feel it, then I ask Bey to put on his hands to feel it too. :) Baby kick is the most incredible feeling ever.

Since the first day I met you, I love you baby.

35 weeks > 27 weeks > 22 weeks > 16 weeks 

Time flies. Coming to the end of pregnancy, I am getting more anxious; but I tell myself  "I am ready to roll this! I can't wait to meet my baby!"

Love,
Yvonne

Design Our Home

To do it yourself or to employ an interior designer? This might be one of the most struggling question that you would have. I would say....

I have ABSOLUTELY no regret that we have Grace as our interior designer (ID) to design our home!
I recalled that during the first visit, Grace tried to know me better and understand about my preferences. I shared my ideas that I had in mind- simple, clean-looking and easy to maintain. I have numerous pictures in mind; but, I do not know how to tie them together; luckily Grace was here to help.

We had uncountable discussions and meet up sessions to go through every details. She cared about all the tiny details from materials, colors, lighting, electricity, practicality and most importantly budget. Those days, I looked forward towards the design drawings. Before the real work began,  I needed images for a great visual. The 3D drawings that Grace prepared were really good! Have a look.

When the real work began, she visited and monitored on site to make sure everything was in the right place. I would say she was the middle-man in between us and the carpenter. I am very glad with the outcome. Although it was tiring, but it was a wonderful  journey to design our new home. We went to lots and lots of furniture fair and shops to compare price and quality. If you are interested in any of materials or branding that I had selected; please refer below.

Choosing our furniture materials from Lamitak collection 

Sofa : (Penfurnex fair @ SPICE) Eng Marketing Trading
Fan : Alpha
Coffee Table: BM Creative Furniture Centre
Lights: (Fair @ SPICE) Light Paradise Sdn Bhd
Carpet: Home's Harmony 
TV: Samsung 

Bey worked hard to fix up a cabinet that we bought from IKEA.
Dar, 辛苦了！

This makes me smile :) 

P.S. Lazy on work, stay at home ...

Love,

Yvonne

Travel Sabah- Gaya Island Resort, KK & Kundasang!

Big thanks to our buddies- Ivan Tan and Bo Xing for touring us around ! We had a great time at the island of Borneo- Sabah. Our direct flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu took about 3 hours. Our first station at KK was Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant. 
I tried on 清汤米粉 and to my surprise the clear soup was very flavorful, it was cooked with lots and lots of fresh tomatoes. Hot tomato soup with 4 big pieces of fried fish. Yummy-licious. Bey tried on 干捞面 with tom yam soup. The tom yam is not so similar with the one that we usually have, it is more towards the curry side. We also had fried 鱼腐. It was so good that Bey can't resist to order another set.

Left: 清汤米粉; Centre: 干捞面 with tom yam soup; Right: 鱼腐

Our next stop was Jesselton Point. During last January, we held our wedding dinner at Vistana Hotel Penang, they offered us  a complimentary honeymoon stay. We chose Gaya Island Resort among 3 other YTL Hotels. Hence, we have FOC  3 days 2 nights stay at Gaya Island Resort!!  (if you are planning for your wedding, do read this post .) It took about 15 minutes speed boat ride from Jesselton Point towards Gaya Island Resort. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a lush of greenery, beach and ocean.

Waiting room at Jesselton Point 

Greenery; Beach; Ocean

The staffs were super friendly and greeted us every time. We were guided to our room which was Bayu Villa. It was situated at a higher hillside, we needed to climb up stairs to get there. I love the surrounding of our villa, we were surrounded with leafy trees. Let's take a room tour!

This was our villa and we were lucky to stay at the upper floor.

Nice balcony view
But, I didn't like the outdoor sofa; it was full with mold because of the rainy + sunny weather.
I dared not to sit on it. It will be nice if it's a bamboo chair.
Hope the resort will take this into matter :p

Hallway towards the bathroom

 I am deeply in love with the spacious bathroom, it has a huge bath tub which can fits both of us in.
Hooray! (sounds like coming out from jungle :p)

These days, we just relaxed on the beach and spent some time in the pool. Beautiful time spent. :)

Beach towel provided 

Quiet pool when everyone is not awake yet. Sun rises very early at Sabah as early at 6am. 

I would say the only cons for my stay at GIR was food. There were 3 meals inclusive in our stay, which we can choose to dine in at either Feast Village or Pool Bar. The food at Feast Village were served in buffet style, there were a variety of food range from western, oriental, local. But only a few of them met my expectation. We were thinking of dining at the other 2 restaurants at the resort ; but the price per meal was RM195 per pax.... (highly over my budget). There was also no ala-carte menu... so sadly, we did not have great food at GIR .

When we were back to KK, our main aim was to look for good food.  * the only restaurant that we don't like was Fong Ip Cafe. (food not nice) * We had great seafood  at Welcome Seafood Restaurant Penampang. At the restaurant, we got to choose raw fresh seafood from the aquarium. The fish was really good; fresh, soft, silky. Thumbs up! We also had a local vegetable dish known as sayur manis; must try.

The next day, we had tuaran mee for breakfast at Kantin Bakut. In my opinion, tuaran mee tastes more or less like mee goreng texture which is springy. We ordered gan lao version tuaran mee which was served along with a bowl of seafood ingredients soup. I got to say that Sabah food portion is huge compared to Penang. The price range of noodle is around RM6- 8 but double the portion of RM4 Penang noodles. Kantin Bakut serves no pork so you can see a lot of different races eating together, they were also very generous with the portion of seafood such as fresh fish slices, fish cake and prawns .

Then, we continued our journey towards Kundasang. On the mid-way, we stopped by at Pekan Nabalu that has a good view of  Mount Kinabalu. We were lucky to have sunny day to be able to see the peak of it.

We arrived at noon. So I looked dark and with shadow in this photo. But who cares, look at all the peaks at  Mount Kinabalu that can be clearly seen from distance. 

After another 1 hour, we arrived at Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. The weather started to change cloudy, misty, and windy. There was a herd of cow mooing and eating grass at the beautiful green pastures which created the illusion of being at New Zealand . You can feed calves and goats in the farm, but I preferred not to. We tried on Gelato, milk, and also yogurt at the cafe. All of them were made from fresh and pasteurized milk; tasted good too.

Spot the cows on your right . 

The next day, we strolled around at the city area and visited shopping complex Suria. We took Grab car/ Uber to travel in the city area, which was so convenient (charges around RM3 to RM5).

Photo check point"I love KK" at Segama Waterfront. 

In the evening, we went to Jalan Sulaman for kelapa bakar and coconut pudding. There were a lot of stalls at the roadside, selling the exact same food. We chose on the stall that has a banner of 阿贤人情味. The kelapa bakar was worth trying, the coconut was grilled and served hot. It tasted more like soup instead of a drink. I preferred coconut pudding, it was so nice, creamy, sweet and refreshing; a perfect dessert on a sunny day. 

We then went to Shangrila's Rasa Ria Resort for sunset view. Although we did not stay at the resort, but I would love to introduce it to anyone of you. It has large spacious beach, great garden, and also huge swimming pool. It will be in my top selection for my second visit. (but i need to save money first)

Although we did not manage to see the "egg yolk" sun setting down into the sea;
 blocked by some clouds but the sunset view was still breathtaking. 

I am glad to have you  <3 

I truly enjoyed this relaxing trip. See you again, Sabah!

Love,
Yvonne