How was your day? - 29 October 2018

Ever since my boy entered pre-school, I used to ask him, "How was your day today", "What did you do today?", "Did you have fun in school today?".  He would give me a short answer of "Yes".  But occasionally he would elaborate further only during our daily routine pillow talk time.

Then one fine day, he started to ask me about MY day too.😲

JM: Mummy, tell me about your day today
Mummy: There's nothing to tell, nothing special happened.
JM: But I heard you telling daddy about your day in the car
Mummy: Oh I was just telling daddy about my plans for the next day.  It wasn't about my day today. Nothing special happen so I have nothing to tell you.
JM: Okay. (And then he goes on to tell me about his day.)
.....
JM: And then I had half boiled eggs, and then I did my drawing...
(I was quite surprised the school serve half boiled eggs) 
Mummy: How did your half boiled eggs look like?
JM: Eggs cut into half lo
Mummy: Oh, that is a called half of a "hard" boiled eggs.  Half boiled eggs are different
JM: Oh okay, I had half of a hard boiled eggs then


On another occasion:

JM: Mummy let's pillow talk.  Tell me about your day
Mummy: Well, nothing special happened so there really is nothing to tell
JM: Even though nothing special happened, I still want to hear about your day. Come on, tell me
Mummy: Oh well, okay. 😊

What's Cooking? - 27 October 2018

Two boys found some new fun in two mini tubs from my laundry - having one each.  They used to imagine them as fireman helmets only.

But today, the boys started taking apart their toys and throwing every little thing into the mini tubs to "cook", e.g. cars, puzzles, balls, bus, papers, necklace, coins, anything they can get their hands on...

JZ: I'm cooking, put some salt, some sugar, some pepper.  Its still hot (...and he continues on stirring his "pot" with a ruler)

JM: Let's add pepperoni, ...(we never had pizza together, how did he think of adding pepperoni?!)

Mummy: What are you cooking?

JM: Ming Tien Char Kuey Teow la! (Funny that he related it to Ming Tien, which is a food eatery place that we often do our takeaways 😁)

JZ: I'm cooking cookies

Mummy: You "bake" cookies dear

JM: Mummy, its Loke Kee Chicken Rice Cookie 

(Loke Kee Chicken Rice is his favorite food from Ming Tien)

Mummy: What? Loke-Kee Coo-kie?!?

JM: Yes, chicken and cookies!

.....

JZ: Come on mummy, its ready! Where's the spoon? (he went looking for a laundry detergent scoop that I let them play with)

JM: Time to eat mummy!  Quickly come.

Mummy: Ok, coming

JZ: Open your mouth (mummy goes ah, and takes a mouthful)

I pointed to my chin, mimicking him when there are food spills around his mouth.  JZ very promptly takes the spoon (the scoop) and catches the spill from my chin 😆

Then I take the scoop and knocks (the spoon) on the corner of the tub to ask for more, again mimicking him when he's impatient at the table.  JZ gave me a frown and said "no knocking!" 😅

💕It was a wonderful and fun family time for us 💕

Tear Free Baby Head to Toe Shower Gel - Apr 2018

JM: Mummy, why didn't you tear this off?
Mummy: Tear what?
JM: There, the wrapper on this shampoo?  It says tear here
Mummy: (Looking at the tear free label on the shampoo) Oh this is saying "tear free", as in the tears in your eyes, not asking you to tear the label off my dear
JM: Why does it say tear free?
Mummy: I know the spelling is the same as "tearing a paper" but it actually means "crying tears" here.  When soapy bubbles get into your eyes, it might sting and make you cry.  But with this shampoo, its saying it won't sting your eyes even if the bubbles get to your eyes.
JM: Oh I see.

😄😄😄

Night Weaning

Great info and resource on night weaning

1. Night Weaning of Older Babies and Toddlers: Mothers share their experiences
2. Ask Dr Sears: Night Weaning: 12 Alternatives for the All-Night Toddler Nurser

Nourishing Bird's Nest Soup Recipe by The Fuss Free Chef

Haven't tried making one of these myself...eager to find out what's the outcome following this recipe.

Nourishing Soups and Teas - Post #1 : Bird Nest Soup

The whole family is coughing, no thanks to the haze.   Itchy throat, sniffling and phlegmy cough. I seem to have it particularly bad. At times my rib cage hurts due to the hacking cough, my head feels light, and even my eye balls feel sore (does that make sense?!)

Hubby bought a box of raw bird nest a few months ago, but i had forgotten all about it, having chucked it into the fridge. I suddenly remembered about it when i was thinking of what nourishing soups to make.

The Chinese have been cooking bird nests for over 400 years, and many firmly believed that it has significant healing properties in terms of improving asthma, minimising coughs (especially the phlegmy type) and generally strengthening overall body immune system. 

 In the last decade, bird nest prices have soared to ridiculous levels.  That is why I honestly believe there is no point in eating it outside because 1. they'd probably serve you the fake stuff, and then 2. charge you an arm and a leg for it.  Unless you eat at the really top end reputable restaurants, AND pay with both legs and arms for a teeny weeny portion.  Even then, I seriously doubt if the entire portion is the real deal (I'm the biggest sceptic).

So the next best thing is to cook it yourself.  i didn't ask hubby how much was the box of 20 pieces of dried swallow/swiftlet saliva - I don't really want to know since it's already been paid for.  I just prayed real hard that it's the real deal, and took out four pieces.  

I know that's A LOT to cook at one go, but hey, we are all sick. When is a better time than now?  And guess what, mummy is going to take double portion, because mummy has to take care of everyone so mummy can't afford to be sick :P

The dried bird nests, before soaking

The only cumbersome part about cooking this is the cleaning.  There is no way out - you will be straining and squinting your (failing) eyesight to diligently pluck out all the tiny feathers and dirt that is trapped inside the strands of the bird nests.  If you happen to have bought those that are not very clean, this will kill you.  So try to get those that are cleanest possible without breaking the bank. 

This is best taken right before you go to bed.  Warm it up before consuming. 


Bird Nest Soup, Slow Cooker Recipe
Serves 4

• 4 pieces of dried bird nest
• 3 medium or large size red dates, pitted
• 1 medium size honey date
• 1 medium size rock sugar
• 400ml water

1.  Soak the dried bird nests in tap water for about 1-2 hours, or until the layers have soften and expanded.

2.  Use a pointed tweezer to carefully pluck out the tiny feathers and dirt in between the layers.  Be careful not to press or separate the layers too much with your fingers, it could easily disintegrate.  Transfer the cleaned bird nests into another bowl with water, and repeat this process 2-3 times.  Once done, drain the bird nests using a sift and pour all into a slow cooker. 

From left, clockwise: Picture 1 - The equipment you will need: 
(A) an extra bowl to transfer the cleaned bird nests, 
(B) a cup preferably with an all white inside, so you 
can see the dirt that has been removed, 
(C) tweezer  (D) a sift to drain the cleaned 
bird nests before pouring into the slow cooker.  
Picture 2 - Get a pointed tweezer, do not get the straight line type.  
Picture 3 - the small slow cooker (good for two servings).  
The cup is to visualise the scale of the cooker.  
It is only marginally taller than a regular mug.

See the tiny feathers and dirt that has been plucked out from the bird nests.

3.  Rinse the dates and put on top the cleaned bird nest in the slow cooker.  Add in the rock sugar.  Boil the water in a separate saucepan.  Once the water is boiling, pour into the slow cooker, cover and set to High.  Once the soup is boiling, turn the heat down to Medium and let simmer for 1 hour.  Check occassionally and stir once or twice.  

From top left, clockwise: Honey date, red dates and rock sugar;  
My SIL bought me some jumbo sized red dates from Singapore, 
thanks Vanessa!;  The cleaned bird nests, see that the strands 
are still intact;  Put everything into the slow 
cooker and pour boiling water

4.  Once the time is up, taste and adjust the sweetness and consistency of the soup.  I made this pretty concentrated, so if you feel it is too thick, add some hot water in.  Do not add cool water as it would bring down the temperature of the soup.

5.  Switch off the heat and consume warm just before you go to bed. 

A pot of concentrated goodness

The gooey, gelatinuos bird nests, strands still intact. 
This is a real treat, thanks daddy for buying!

Note:  Given the weather these days,  I will be posting a series on Nourishing Soups and Teas, starting with this post.  Next post up is on Double Boiled Snow Pear with Almond Seeds and White Fungus.  Stay tuned!

Resources on Confinement Ladies

Breastfeeding Advocates

List of Bad Confinement Ladies
List of BF Friendly Confinement Ladies

Facebook Group
NAME & SHAME Bad Confinement Ladies / Urut Ladies in Malaysia

All About Breastfeeding and Lactation - Starting it Out Right

How much pain and anguish a mother can go through, especially when a mother with endless responsibilities could also be susceptible to postpartum blues?

The following are three handy resources on breastfeeding that has helped me in one way or another throughout my entire breastfeeding journey as a first time mom who experiences lactation issues:
1. KellyMom - http://kellymom.com
2. Ask Dr Sears - http://www.askdrsears.com
3. La Leche League - http://www.llli.org
4. Breastfeeding USA - https://breastfeedingusa.org/

Breastfeeding Basics
Breastfeeding - Starting Out Right - A MUST READ article for all to-be mothers who is determined to exclusively breastfeed their little ones.  The points outlined here are what every mother who experience breastfeeding difficulties needs to help guide them through the challenges of breastfeeding.  If I had read this and drummed the points into my mind, I believe my breastfeeding journey would have been much easier.
How does milk production work?
Nursing your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks
Breastfeeding Information Articles - Great information and quality articles shared

Lactation Issues
Latching and Positioning Resources : KellyMom - KellyMom is a wonderful resource for information on breastfeeding.   I find that any questions or doubts I had on breastfeeding, Google always brings me back to this site and indeed it has the best answers you can find.  The articles here provide very comprehensive advice that are easy to comprehend.
LLLI | The Mother-Baby Dance: Positioning and Latch-On
How do I position my baby to breastfeed?
Help for latch on infant led breastfeeding
Video - Breastfeeding Help Videos - nbci
FALC - Find a Lactation Consultant - International Lactation Consultant Association


Milk Supply Issues
Milk Calculator
Living with Chronic Low Milk Supply: A Basic Guide - MOBI for Mothers Overcoming Breastfeeding Issues has heartwarming and encouraging articles that summarizes mothers' experiences.  It is written based on what these mothers face and have plenty of practical tips on overcoming these challenges.
Increasing Low Milk Supply
Establishing and maintaining milk supply when baby is not breastfeeding : KellyMom

Expressing Breast Milk

Exclusive Pumping – The Best… Expressed!
How much expressed milk will my baby need? : KellyMom
I’m not pumping enough milk. What can I do?
How to Videos on Breastfeeding and Pumping Breastmilk at The Pump Station
Storing & Transporting Breast Milk | Ask Dr. Sears®

Guide to Choosing the Right Breastpump
A Guide to Popular Breastpumps | Ask Dr. Sears®
All About Breastpumps


Hope these links help and please do feel free to share any breastfeeding resource that you have come across as useful.

Happy Breastfeeding Mummy! :-)

What I wish I had known about breastfeeding before giving birth...

My son is 8 months now, and I am still exclusively pumping.  Baby have always been supplemented with formula since 3 weeks as I experience latching issues.  I always try to give baby at least 60% of my breastmilk in a day and am still doing so today.

(Note that some of the tips apply only to those who experience low milk supply or have lactating issues)

What I wish I had known about breastfeeding before giving birth:

1. You should start to condition your nipple during pregnancy before you deliver.  When your baby starts bf, your nipple may feel sore especially for first time mums but this soreness is not to be confused with incorrect latch soreness (sorry I can't explain the difference).

- Get any nipple cream (can get from any pharmacy) to keep it moist.  

- Gently massage the nipple to toughen it (but take NOTE to avoid doing so when nearing delivery as it will trigger contractions)

2. No matter how tired you are, try to clean baby's saliva off your nipple after every feed as leaving it there will dry your nipple and may cause any sore to become worse.

3. LATCHING correctly is no 1 thing you must get right.  No matter what anyone says, if breastfeeding hurts, the latch is not correct. Do not feel sad (easier said than done) if your baby cannot latch.  Both of you need time to learn so do not give up.  

4. If you know your baby is not latching correct, it is very important that you get help to get it right within the first week (if possible).  My personal experience is everyone told me the latch is correct despite me saying that it really hurts.  By time I realize it was already 3 weeks and baby have already developed habit of shallow latch so he couldn't get the amount of milk that he needs from latching - as a result I had to use bottle and supplement with formula.  It was unfortunate I was not able to get baby to latch right until he was four months but by that time, he prefers the bottle (faster flow) than my breast.

5.  Where to get breastfeeding help and support?  There are many breastfeeding support groups, forums around.  Even your friends or colleagues who has successful breastfeeding experience is a source of help.  Many successful breastfeeding mothers are able to help you with your lactation issues.  Professional help is also available (but of course at cost).  Just bear in mind that both yourself and baby are first timers and it takes time to learn.  So do not be shy to ask for help. You can always start from here.

6. If your baby experience signs of jaundice, you should bf your baby more often (every two hours) to ensure she gets hydrated.  You should not stop bf and of course, you must consult your paed and closely monitor your baby's condition.  If by this time your milk supply has not been established (note that this should not happen if your latch is correct), then it is alright to supplement with formula. 

7. If you have to supplement with formula, just remember to use cup or syringe to feed.  I never thought of using cup, and had been using the spoon.  Feeding with spoon is very slow and baby was frustrated and seeing baby's frustration and pressure from family members resulted in me giving in to use the bottle.

8. You should invest in good pump if you are a working mum.  Dual pump will save you a lot of time.  I cannot emphasize this more as I started off using a single pump passed on to me by my SIL.  As I experienced latching issues, I had to rely on pumping from very early on and have been using the single pump for several months.  My milk supply could not establish and using a single pump did not help.  I was very stressed out as I was persistent on giving my baby breastmilk, so I spent a lot of time was spent on the pump trying keep my supply going.  It wasn't until I decided to get myself a dual pump that I realize I could have saved so much more time to spend more time with my baby during confinement than on the pump.

9. I should direct latch him at least once everyday, (even if baby could not get enough milk from breast) then use bottle to top-up.  Even if baby prefers the bottle, as long baby is willing to take your breast even for short period of time, let him take it at least once in a day.  The less time spent on breast, the sooner baby will completely reject it...sooner than you expect.  Because I was so concerned that baby will be hungry, a lot of time I resorted to give my milk in the bottle.  By 6 months, my baby totally refuse to latch.  It was too soon for me and I really really miss the bond and the feeling of cuddling him close for breastfeeding.

10.  Will nipple shield help with sore nipples?  Yes.  Will it help if you have latching issues?  I don't believe so.  Based on the research gathered from the Internet, I found that if you have sore nipples caused by latching issues, nipple shield will not help.  It makes it more difficult for the baby to suckle the milk and will further discourage latching.  Alternately, if you have good milk supply, nipple shield may help protect your sore nipples.

11.  Lastly, it is very important to get full breastfeeding support from a family members or a friend (anyone one will do and it may not necessarily be your partner).  This person must be someone who is always there for you to talk to, cry to, let out bf frustration, etc. You will feel stronger and will likely have a successful bf journey with good support.  Of course if possible, your partner should support you and not let family members pressure you into giving up bf.

In summary,  you will lose a lot of precious time to spend with your baby if you could not establish a good supply of milk.  But there is nothing wrong with exclusively pumping.  Some mothers choose to exclusively pump.  In any case, any amount of breast milk for baby is better than none.

Hope this will help all future mummies.  Good luck and stay strong mummies!

Baby Food Recipe - Cereal [from Little Inbox Recipe]

Kiwifruit Brown Rice Cereal

Ingredients: 

5 tbsp of brown rice cereal
hot water (add accordingly)
half of kiwifruit flesh, mashed

Steps:
1. Mixed up brown rice cereal with hot water.
2. Leave it cool for a while.
3. Top up the cereal with kiwifruit.
4. Serve warm.


Baby Food - Blueberry Cereal

Ingredients:
4 tbsp of cereal
2 tbsp of infant formula
2 oz of hot water
12 blueberries, rinsed

Steps:
1. Mixed up cereal and infant formula with hot water.
2. Pour the cereal in a blender to blend with the blueberries.
3. Serve warm.

Baby Food Recipes - Porridge (Fish & Meat) [from Little Inbox Recipe]

Baby Food: Recipe from Little Inbox Recipe

Fish and Vegetable Porridge 



Serves 2 

Ingredients: 
fish fillet, skinned
4 tbsp of rice, rinsed
carrot, cut into thin strips
choy sum, chopped
hot boiling water

Seasonings (optional): 
half tsp of fried garlic oil

Steps:
1. Add rice and hot water to a small slow cooker. Cook it for 2 hours.
2. Add fish fillet. Once the fish is cooked, dish it out.
3. Add vegetables and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Mash the fish fillet in a bowl. Pour the porridge over the mashed fish fillet. Mix it up with fried garlic oil.
5. Leave it cool for a while and serve warm.

Spinach and Meat Porridge 

Ingredients: 

1 tbsp of white rice, rinsed
1 tbsp of millet, rinsed
5 pieces of soft lean pork (you can substitute it with another type of red meat or white meat)
spinach, chopped
200ml hot boiling water

Steps: 

1. Put all the ingredients into a small slow cooker, except the spinach and meat.
2. Add the meat when the porridge starts boiling.
3. 15 minutes before the porridge is ready, add spinach. Stir to mix up all the ingredients. Continue the cooking.
4. Off the power and leave it cool for a while.
5. You can either remove the meat from the porridge before feeding, or retain 1 or 2 pieces of the meat and puree the porridge before feeding.