Mommy Diary 3: My breast feeding experience

I've been talking about myself breastfeeding exclusively in the past few posts so today I'm going to blog about my breastfeeding experience. 

Personally, I have opt to breastfeed exclusively due to the immerse benefits of breast milk. Breast milk is very nutritious and contains a lot of vitamins, good bacterias and antibodies which can boost baby's immune system. It's known that babies who are fed with breast milk grow up to be smarter and healthier. As a mother, I hope to give the best to my baby. Moreover, breastfeeding is a very good way to bond with my baby. 

I have been breastfeeding everywhere I go with my nursing cover. 

Today, based on my personal experience I'll blog about things to take note for mommies who wish to breast feed.

1. Breast milk will only kicks in 3-5 days after delivery. 

Mommy's breast will produce a transparent or golden colostrum instead of milk during the 1st few days after delivery. This colostrum is very nutritious and will stop when milk kicks in. Hence, mommy should not think that you do not have enough breast milk in the first few days after delivery.

Sharing my own experience:

"Initially, I was persuaded by my confinement nanny to not breast feed my baby in night time while she was taking care of my baby. She claimed that I have not enough breast milk and baby was crying due to hunger. Moreover, she kept insisting that I should not breast feed at night so that I can rest well.

 She said things like if I don't rest enough during confinement, I will have a lot of health problem when I'm older.

I was a little pressurized by her words especially when she said that all the mothers she had taken care of followed her. 
As I was inexperienced, I gave in on my 1st night with confinement nanny, I let her feed my baby with formula from bottle. 

That night I couldn't sleep knowing that my baby was fed with formula and worrying that he will have nipple confusion the next day. I kept thinking and worrying and ended up crying (maybe it's the hormones which made Mommy becomes more emotional). 

Eventually, at 3am, I went to my confinement nanny in tears to get my baby back. I told her I'll rather suffer when I'm old (if what she said is true that I'll have health issue if I don't rest well during confinement) than not giving the best to my baby. "

2. Breast milk supply produces on demand of baby. Hence, do not stop breastfeeding because you think that your milk supply is low. 

The more you let your babies latch, the more milk you will produce. If you choose to supplement your feeding with formula, your babies will demand lesser milk and ultimately it will lead to lesser milk production. A vicious cycle. 

3. If babies latch correctly, nimples should not feel painful. 

During the 1st few week of breastfeeding process, babies may not be very good at latching which may cause mommy to feel pain or discomfort. When mommy feels pain try to unlatch the baby by putting a finger into the mouth of the baby and then relatch again.

4. It's very important to apply nimple cream to prevent nimple crack and relieve soreness after every feed. This is a MUST! 

It will be very painful to continue breastfeeding when your nimple cracks (I have experienced this). Prevention is better than cure. I use medela nimple cream. 

5. If it hurts during the 1st month of breastfeeding do not give up, it will only get better.

In my first few week of breastfeeding, I have experienced nimple skin peeling off and nimple bleeding. Though Aedan is very good at latching, he sucks very hard and will pull my nipple towards the end of his feeding. Although it's painful, I persevered and continued to breastfeed. Surprisely, after the 1st month, breastfeeding is no longer painful. I'm not sure is it because my nipples have become more resilient or Aedan's sucking has improved. 

6. If your breast is engorged, you can let your baby sucks while massaging the area with blocked ducts to clear the blocked passage.

I will check on my breasts every day and try to clear the blocked ducts as soon as it's discovered. It's advisable to clear the blocked ducts before the breasts become too engorged and hardened.

7. Breast milk digest faster than formula milk. Hence, breast fed baby will get hungry faster and require feeding every 2hr - 2.5hr. 

Aedan gets hungry really fast in his 1st month. Sometime he cries for milk in an interval of 1hr to 1.5 hr. 

8. Breast feeding is not easy. It takes many trials and errors and often leads to many sleepless night. 

I used to take about 1hr to feed him as he will doze off during feeding. Sucking requires alot of energy from the baby so he may get tired and take short rest in between and I have to wake him up to continue. Also, sometimes he will fuss during feeding due to his reflux and I have to pacify him before continuing to feed him. This led to many sleepless nights.

Breast feeding mommies require a lot of support during breastfeeding so I'll encourage those who want to breast feed to join Breastfeeding Mums group on facebook for support and sharing of experience. I personally find this group really useful as there are many mommies who share their tips in breast feeding, storage of milk & many many more. 

You can find the closed group on Facebook at Breastfeeding Mums.

So far, I have breastfeed for more than 2 months. I'm glad that I have choose to breastfeed as it is fulfilling. It's enjoyable to see Aedan's drunken look after feeding. Moreover, as a mommy, it feels good to be able to produce for my baby. 

I hope I can breastfeed till as long as possible. Maybe I'll share more when I've successfully breastfeed for one year. ^^

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Twentysixoctober 

Mommy Diary 2: Total costs of delivery at Mount AlverniaHospital &Aedan's 1st Month!

It has been Sooo long since my last post. Most of my time has been devoted to taking care of Aedan. 

Aedan is currently in his 8th week. 

I'm a full time milk feeder now as I'm breastfeeding exclusively & fully on direct latch. I was initially quite worried about Aedan not feeding enough as I'm not able to gauge his intake. Moreover, his reflux is making him split/vomit after every feeds. However, during his last doctor visit on his 5th week, doctor measured his weight & commented that his weight is on the 97th percentile! 'Solid baby'

I have also celebrated his one month (sharing photos!) & brought him out more often. 

Today, I will be sharing with you the total costs of the delivery. During my pregnancy, I tried to find out more about what are the possible total hospital costs and have been reading many others' blogs. However, very few blogged about the costs or show their hospital bills so I don't really have a good sense of the bill costs. My total hospital bill turn out to costs $10k. I'm sharing my hospital bill here. 

I had an assisted delivery with epidural.

Mommy' hospital plus doctors' charges 

Baby's hospital plus doctor's charges

The maternity package plus mommy single bedded ward & baby nursery for 2 days added up to be equivalent to $3390 ($1166 + $1594 + $200 + $430) which is the price b4 GST of maternity package for St Michael ward. St Michael ward is newly opened in Aug so the package price is slightly higher than the normal single bedded room. 

My husband has stayed over with me through out so there's companion charges. 

There are also doctors' procedure/ operation fees from the Gynae & anesthesiologist. Moreover, there's gynae attendance fees for doctor's visits during delivery plus my 2 days stay (frankly, Gynae only came for less than 5 mins per session to check on the stitches during the 2 days & charges $200 plus per session). There are also attendance fees from PD for baby routine check up. I have opt for metabolic test which cost additional $100++.

In my previous blog post on my delivery experience, I mentioned that I was put on glucose drip from the very beginning. Moreover, due to drop in fetal heartbeat, I had used oxygen masks during the final pushing. 

Hence, there are additional costs on the use of equipment, medications & oxygen masks. 

After the delivery, the nurses have given me 3 types of pain killers which are charged under pharmacy. 

I was shock when I saw the final bill added up to $10K. After medisave deduction of about $2.7K, the cash portion is about $7K++. Although the whole delivery costs more than expected, on the bright side, it's worth it since my baby is safely delivered into this world. :)

I'm overall glad with the service and whole experience which I was given a lot of care from the doctor and nurses. I will still choose to deliver at Mount Alvernia given a choice again. 

Hope this article will be useful for those delivering soon and wish to have a rough gauge of the bill. 

Lastly I'm going to spam my baby shower photos. ^_^

We had a simple baby shower at our clubhouse and done up the decoration all by ourselves. Had received lots of blessing from friends and family on the day. 

The baby banner is made by me. ✌️

My hubby and I made this standing ballon column 😊

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Happy reading,

Twentysixoctober 

Mommy Diary 1: Aedan has arrived on 6th Aug! My delivery experience at Mount Alvernia Hospital

Hi all,

It has been awhile since my last post.

This is because Aedan has arrived on 6 Aug & since then, I have been busy with baby stuff. 

I'm currently breast feeding & the schedule is every 2-3 hr. Since his arrival I have not slept for more than 2 hr per sleep cycle.   

On top of the near sleepless nights, a few days ago, we had to admit Aedan into A&E at Mount Alvernia as his Jaundice level peaked (bilirubin level at 22.8mg). He had to receive phototherapy treatment  (triple light!!) to bring the level down to 8.4mg. 

All in all, I have to say that motherhood has been a sleepless one. I'm writing this post on my one free hand while breastfeeding him.

Today, I'm going to blog about my delivery experience at Mount Alvernia Hospital while I can still remember. 

On 6 Aug 15,

At 0030, while I was lying on my bed preparing to sleep, I felt an uncontrollable leakage of water from my bottom. So I immediately stood up & gush of water just flow out. I knew my water bag had broken. I rushed to toilet to clean up & took a quick bath while my hubby called the doctor. We were advised by the doctor to admit immediately to prevent infections. So we grabbed my maternity bag, checked against the packing list & walked to Mount Alvernia Hospital (the benefit of living near hospital).

0130: we reached Mount A & was brought to the delivery ward to change. The nurse came to check my dilation & also the color of the aminotic fluid while my hubby went to register my stay. The nurse saw blood in the aminotic fluid & suspected that my placenta may have separated. In case that there's a need for emergency C-sec, the doctor advised to put me on glucose drip & no food intake.  They had to inject antibiotics and also put me on ECG to monitor baby's heartbeat & my contraction. 

0830: the doctor arrived & checked my dilation. It's only 2-3cm dilated. She then used her finger to increase the dilation. She also advised that I should be administered medicine to level up my contraction in order to increase the dilation. Since the medicine will make the contraction harder & more painful, I requested for epidural. 

1330: my lower body was totally numb after the epidural & I couldn't feel my leg & vagina except a very mild contraction around my abdominal. Doctor came to check on my dilation again & it was only 3-4cm after 5 Hrs!! The injection of medicine that's supposed to help increase dilation had no effect at all. Though from the ECG chart, I did see that the frequency of contractions had increased. The doctor said she will check again at 1730 & if there's no more dilation, she will proceed with C-sec. In my mind, I was thinking & communicating with my baby "faster dilate, faster come down". 

1430: miracle happened. When nurses came to check my dilation, it's 8cm!! Yes! In an hour it dilated from 4cm to 8cm! I was so happy. 2cm more & I could start pushing. The nurses started to prepare for delivery. 

1630: the mid wife came in and taught me how to push. When the contraction arrived, I have to hold my breath for 10 counts & use all my energy to push. I just kept repeated this for about an hour. 

1730: my doctor arrived and together we tried a few more pushes. The baby's crown was near the exit but my push was just not strong enough to push his head out. During the pushing, baby's heartbeat dipped a few times and I had to use an oxygen mask to regularise his heartbeat. In the end, doctor suggested to use a vacuum pump to direct his head out. So for the one final push, I used all my energy with 2 midwives pushing my belly downwards, baby finally made his arrival with a loud cry! I requested for skin to skin contact immediately & they put him on my body while doctor stitched my wound. 

After 17 hrs of labour, we were transferred to the maternity ward. We managed to get the stay at the new single room at St Michael's ward :)

The ward was new and well equipped. The nurses were also very fast in attending to our needs. There's only one thing to improve which was the room ventilation. The air con was directed from the end of the room & it's not very well circulated. There were times when I felt a little hot when I'm on my bed while my hubby who slept under the air con draft felt super cold. 

I will say my overall experience with Mount A was positive. The nurses were experienced and they came into the delivery ward to check on my status frequently and guided me through the delivery. The room was very clean and new since it's only opened in 1st Aug so I got to enjoy the new facilities in the room! The confinement food was very tasty too. The nurses also took good care of my baby and encouraged me to breastfeed. They were very proactive in providing guidance during my breastfeeding session. I'll want to go back Mount A if I've 2nd baby. 

Lastly, I have to say my life is never the same after the arrival of my love, Aedan.

Though motherhood is tough & tiring, it's very fulfilling. My perspective of life has changed & I have definitely become tougher & stronger too.

"Aedan, Mommy will love you forever."

Cheers to all mothers,

Twentysixoctober 

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Food Review: Krazy Salad Bar Promotion

Hi All, 

I have recently started my maternity leave to wait for the arrival of my little bundle of joy! 

I feel more relaxed now! 

Without the need to worry about work, I can now pamper myself and do what I want before the start of my motherhood.

As I am not sure when he will arrive, I'm treasuring my every single day of freedom. 
On the first day of my maternity leave I have accomplished a number of items on my to-do-list. Done my pedicure, eyelash curling and shopping for body binder.
While I am strolling around, I happened to chance upon a crazy salad buffet promotion! 

A good way to start my maternity leave, taking my time to enjoy buffet. 

The usual price of the salad buffet bar is S$17.90 and now it costs only S$8.90 for limited period only! According to the staff they are having this opening promotion for a limited period. I am not sure it will be until when. 

During my typical work day at Raffles Place, one of my favourite food for lunch is salad. I have salad almost every week. But it usually costs me S$8 - 12 for a bowl of vegetables.  
Now with similar price, I can have unlimited round of salads, pastas, soup, fruits, chips, noodles, drink and even ice cream! Sound great right. This is not a paid advertorial. I am sharing this great deal as I always believe good things should be shared. 

 I will have to say the spread of the buffet is awesome. You can check from photos below. 

We can make our own salad bowl with our favorite vegetables, meat and dressings!

 

There are 3 choices of soups: Mushroom, Clam Chowder and Mixed Vegetables

The choice of fruits are not a lot. But it's good enough for the amount we are paying

They even have pasta and noodle 

Some topping for soup and pasta

Chili Con Carne

They have ice cream! Perfect way to end the meal with  ice cream especially when the weather in SG is so hot!

I am surprised that they have free flow of drinks too. Most low price buffets will not include drinks so that they can earn from us when we get thirsty after a heavy meal

Here's photos of what I had on the day. :)

I hope this promotion will not end soon so that I can enjoy a few more rounds of this great deal before I deliver.

The Krazy Salad is conveniently located at:

Block 190, Toa Payoh, Lorong 6

#02-512, Singapore 310190

(around Toa Payoh Central)

Happy Sharing, 

TwentySixOctober

My Pregnancy Diary 8: Skin Care During Pregnancy

Hi all,

I am currently in my 38th week! I'm really excited and nervous as I'm getting closer to D Day. My belly is really heavy now and I have difficulty sleeping too as I will be awaken by leg cramps and backache on almost every night.  

I have finally decided on the hospital to deliver. It's Mount Alvernia. We understand from their staff that from Aug, there will additional 8 single rooms at their new extension area. However, the charges will be slightly higher which they will only reveal in Aug.
I hope Aedan will arrive in Aug so that I will stand a higher chance of getting a single room! 

Here sharing with you photos of Aedan in his 37th week :)

Moreover, I'll like to share with you all the facial products which I am using during my pregnancy. 

I believe many mum-to-be have problems when it comes to deciding on the type of products to use during pregnancy due to concerns on whether the products contain chemicals that may harm our unborn baby. On the other hand, it is not good to totally neglect our skin-care regimens especially when our skins tend to get drier and more sensitive during pregnancy. So I am going to share with you all the products I am currently using. However, it really depends on the individual whether the products are suitable for your skin. 

Chemicals to avoid during pregnancy (you may click SKIN CARE DURING PREGNANCY for more information on the reasons to avoid these chemicals): 

Differin (adapelene)

Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)

Retinoic acid

Retinol

Retinyl linoleate

Retinyl palmitate

Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)

Salicylic acid

Beta hydroxy acid

BHA

Lethicin

Phosphatidylcholine

Soy

Textured vegetable protein (TVP)

1. Facial Cleanser 

Purity made simple

3-in-1 cleanser for face and eyes 

from Philosophy

Ingredients:
aqua/water/eau, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Coco-glucoside, Coconut alcohol, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Glycerin, Aniba Rosaeodora (rosewood) Wood Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Bulnesia Sarmientoi Wood Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Rosa Centifolia flower Oil, Amyris Balsamifera bark Oil, Santalum album (sandalwood) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (clary) Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Mimosa Tenuiflora bark extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) Seed Oil, Piper Nigrum (pepper) Fruit Oil, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Linalool, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, fd & c yellow no. 5 (CI 19140).

Where can you get it?
Sephora and Philosophy outlets


2. Facial Wash 

Purifying Neem Face Wash 
from Himalaya Herbal 

Ingredients:
Neem, Turmeric, water, ammonium lauryl sulfate, melia azadirachta, leaf extract, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl glutamate & disodium cocoyl glutamate, glycerin, acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Perfume, Methylchloroisothiazolinone & methylsothiazolinone, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate,CI 19140, CI 42090

Where can you get it?
Watsons


3. Toner

Aloe Calming Toner 
from The Body Shop

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera Gel) (Skin Soothing Agent), Pentylene Glycol (Solvent), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Sorbitol (Humectant), Glycerin (Humectant), Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric acid, Sodium Hydroxide.


Where can you get it?
The Body Shop


4. Essence 

Drops of Youth Concentrate
from The Body Shop

Ingredients:
Aqua/Water (Solvent/Diluent), Alcohol Denat. (Solvent/Diluent), Glycerin (Humectant), Chondrus Crispus Powder (Abrasive), Propanediol (Viscosity Modifier), Sodium Hyaluronate (Humectant), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Skin Conditioning Agent), Adenosine (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate (Skin Protectant), Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil (Emollient), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Buddleja Davidii Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract/Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent), Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract/Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Benzoic Acid (Preservative), Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative).

Where can you get it?
The Body Shop


5. Serum

Vitamin E Moisture Serum
from The Body Shop

Ingredients:

Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Cyclomethicone (Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emulsifier), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Mel (Natural Additive), Panthenol (Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Caesalpinia spinosa (Skin Conditioning Agent), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Oryza sativa (Emollient), Triticum vulgare (Emollient), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Methylparaben (Preservative), Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Avena strigosa (Skin Conditioning Agent), Lecithin (Stabiliser/Emulsifier), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Butylparaben (Preservative), Ethylparaben (Preservative), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Isobutylparaben (Preservative), Propylparaben (Preservative), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Fragrance Ingredient), Geraniol (Fragrance Ingredient), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone (Fragrance Ingredient).

Where can you get it?
The Body Shop


6. Moisturizer 

Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream
from The Body Shop

Ingredients:
Aqua/Water (Solvent/Diluent), Isododecane (Solvent), Tapioca Starch Polymethylsilsesquioxane (Absorbent/Anticaking Agent), Glycerin (Humectant), Hydrogenated Tetradecenyl/Methylpentadecene (Solvent), Polymethyl Methacrylate (Emollient), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Polysorbate 60 (Surfactant), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Carbomer (Stabiliser/Viscosity Modifier), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil/Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Glycine Soja Oil/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (Emollient/Skin Conditioner), Fucus Vesiculosus Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Pentylene Glycol (Solvent), Zinc Gluconate (Skin Conditioning Agent), Acacia Senegal Gum (Film Former), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Algae Extract (Natural Additive), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Skin Conditioning Agent), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Propylene Glycol Alginate (Binder), Benzyl Salicylate (Fragrance Ingredient), Hydrolyzed Algin (Soothing agent), Serine (Skin Conditioning Agent), Sodium Stearate (Surfactant), Zinc Sulfate (Cosmetic Astringent), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster).

Where can you get it?
The Body Shop

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Have a beautiful pregnancy!

XOXO,
TwentySixOctober 

My Pregnancy Diary 7: False Contractions, Checklist for Maternity Bag & Maternity Photo Shoot

Hi All,

I'm in my 36th week today!
According to the doctor it's safe for me to deliver anytime after today! 

Sharing photos of Aedan at his 35th week. 

His eyes look big in the photo here ;)

Many things happened in the past few weeks!

On the night of 3rd July 15, I experienced mild contractions from 3 am till morning. I wasn't sure if it was true labor contractions or Braxton Hicks. Through the night, I had difficulty sleeping. However, since it was not very painful, I decided to wait till morning before visiting my gynae. 
I called the clinic when they were opened and explained the situation to the staff. She said I may visit the gynae but have to wait for my turn since there were other patients on that day. The funny thing was that my contractions stopped when I was preparing to visit the clinic. 
But since I had already informed my boss that I'm taking urgent leave, I decided to visit my gynae to understand the cause of the contractions. When I arrived at the clinic, she put me on CTG monitoring for about 15 mins and then I was asked to wait for my turn. 
When it was finally my turn, the doctor said that the CTG result showed that I had started my contractions! However, I was only in my 35th week and it was considered premature for delivery. She inserted her finger into my vagina to check whether my cervix had opened. Luckily, it was not so she prescribed medication to relax my uterus and asked me to be take them when contractions happened again before my baby turns 36 weeks. 
Anytime after the 36th week, if consistent contractions happened again, the baby will be safe for delivery. 

Although it was a false alarm, this incident kind of served as a wake up call for me to settle the things required before his arrival. 
One of my to-do list was to cut my hair short so that it would be easier to maintain. On that very day, I went to a random salon in Novena and just "chopped" off my hair. I was so scared that it would turn out to be a disaster and in my mind, I had already planned to purchase a wig if it turns out too ugly. 
Fortunately, I kind of like my new look and now it's so much easier when it comes to washing and drying my hair. 

So here's my new look.

My EDD is on 8th Aug so many people said I should communicate with little Aedan and ask him to arrive on 9 Aug to be a National Day baby so that he can enjoy free goodies! 
I think I shall take things as it comes since I am opting for natural birth, I cannot really control when he wanna come out. 

Since Aedan may arrive anytime from now, I have started to pack my Maternity Bag. It's advised to start packing maternity bag 4 weeks before EDD. 

So what are the things to be packed for the big day?

I have prepared my own checklist. It's not in any order but I think it is useful in making sure that all the essentials are included in my maternity bag.

No	Items to brings	Check
1	Doctor's Admission Letter
2	Previous Medical Health Reports
3	Prepare a list of medications which you are currently taking
4	Pyjamas with front opening to facilitate breastfeeding
5	Non-slip slippers
6	Personal Toiletries
7	Original marriage certificate for registration of baby's birth certificate
8	Sweater as delivery suite may be cold
9	2 pair of mittens for baby
10	A set of baby clothing to be worn during discharge
11	Baby wrapper or blanket
12	Pre-natal consultation receipts for claiming of S$450 from medisave
13	Chicken essence to provide energy during delivery
14	Download some movies to be watched while waiting for delivery or bring anything that can help you to relax
15	Disposable underwear
16	Snacks (biscuits) for hubby while waiting for delivery
17	Camera/ video camera to capture the memorable moment
18	Chargers for handphones
19	Contact lens solution and container if you wear contact lens
20	Spectacles
21	Socks as feet can get cold during labour
22	Nursing bra
23	Breast pad
24	Nipple Cream. To be applied immediately after you started breast feeding to avoid cracks
25	Bio-Oil or lotion if you will like to apply massage during labour. Or to be used after labour to prevent stretch marks
26	Baby wipes
27	Extra plastic bag to put the used clothes
28	Body Binder
29	Maternity Pad as there will be bleeding after giving birth
30	A set of changing clothes for hubby if he is staying overnight

Before I end my post, I'm also going to share photos taken during my maternity shoot. 
I have always found that maternity shoots are something good to have but not a necessity.
Since it has become so popular for parents-to-be to take maternity shoot, the price of this service has been increasing.. 
In order to avoid this unnecessary costs and yet keep photos memory of my baby belly, we have decided to do it ourselves. And glad to say the result turns out well! 

Photos are credited to my hubby and myself :)

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Bye ~~~

TwentySixOctober