Shortcuts

Being a first time mother, everything is a learning experience. And soon enough you will be looking for shortcuts to doing things to save time. Because 24 hours is just not enough!

BOTTLES!

First month, I had CL to help around, but yet I still got no enough rest. 2nd month first week was tiring. BB do not latch, so he was bottlefed. At that time the supply has not stabilize, so sometimes fm past midnight and sometimes warm up ebm. In the morning, there will be 4 feeding bottles to wash, and another 4 storage bottles if ebm. I calculated, including storage and feeding bottles daily will be around 20 bottles to wash + pump parts. It was tiring.

*Mistake was I bought the wide neck Pigeon storage bottles (before delivery) which is not compatible with my pump. So after pump, it was transferred to the storage bottles causing extra washing.

Shortcut: Addition to 6 Medela storage bottles, I bought 10 bumble bee's storage bottles that is compatible to the pump so I can pump directly and store without transferring. Pheww.... ok so less than 20 bottles now, but still at least 16 per day.

STERILIZER vs DISH DRYER

So sterilizer is one of the common thing needed, so I thought. Thankfully my cousin passed on to me Avent sterilizer. But throughout confinement, CL just used boiling water. The 2nd month, I took it out to use for the first time (I have pump parts, feeding and storage bottles to sterilize). So I arranged it all in, looks congested and when it's done, carefully take it out. Which I find the arrangement and taking it out carefully was time consuming. (boiling would have been more efficient then)

After each use, need to wash the sterilizer (take the entire thing with the plug to wash (but not wash the plug ya)). So after that one time, I packed it back.

*So many bottles n pump to wash still need to wash the sterilizer after sterilizing... not helpful

Shortcut: Panasonic dish dryer, temp up to 70 degrees. Dries the bottles and pump parts. After wash, just dump all in to dry. My saviour.

DIRECT LATCH

This has been one of the most amazing thing that one can experience, especially for me as my lo rejected for about a month or so. After he got used to latching, I was able to dream feed him as well as go into dreamland myself. So much easier for FTWM (full time working mom).
- I got my rest/sleep at night although not 8 hours straight but I get to rest.
- no longer 8 bottles to wash in the morning, at most only wash pump parts
- 20 bottles to wash has been cut down to max 4 on weekdays and 8 on weekends max.
- pump frequency lesser, less washing as well
- bonding with baby
- no longer need to bring hot flask and mug to warm EBM when going out

 Do you have any shortcuts to share? :)

Success! EBM from Bandung....

We had a company trip to Bandung on 6-9 Oct 2013. This trip was planned while I was pregnant and obviously did not foresee my breastfeeding journey in it then. After a successful trip bringing back EBM from HK in August, I was not too sure what to expect in Bandung because this time I'm traveling with a group of people, engaged with a tour, staying with a roommate, so unlike my free and easy personal trip to HK.

Nevertheless, I was still determined to bring back my EBM and planned my daily pumping schedule according to situation. I brought a shawl pinned it like a nursing cover as I may likely need to pump everywhere. I have not done this before.

DAY1
My flight to Bandung was at 1.40pm, and meet up the rest at 11.30am. So I pumped before leaving home, thus I do not have to pump in the flight toilet like I did for HK. The next session was at the hotel room upon arrival. It was then more than 5 hours. I quickly asked for a key while they settled the rooms for the rest because the tour is moving after everyone dropped off their luggage in the room. Settled in 15 mins. Then at night pumped in the room with my shawl. My lady boss said she can leave me alone in the room if I want, but I guess not necessary unless she mind :). So day1 done.

DAY2

Floating Market

Next morning pumped before bfast 6.30am local time. Then we headed to Tangkuban Perahu about an hour journey from hotel. Unfortunately it was closed due to active vulcano happened a day before. So we went to Hotspring, which we spent about an hour.

Hut no. 9, my pumping place

Thereafter to Floating Market when unexpectedly we spent about 2 hours plus. So I quickly walked to the bus and get my equipment and find a hut to pump when I realized we were not leaving that soon. The place is quite huge, so you can easily get a spot to pump.

Floating Market

It was indeed a very relaxing place and cooling weather. But this is not hidden as the tourist will passby, but they will not walk up to you if it is occupied. As I took out the equipments, I realized I left the bottles in the bus! To walk to the bus and walk back here will take around 15 minutes, so I did not. 



This was my first public pumping which is already a challenge, but in addition I have to hold both sides with storage bags. Obviously it was a bit chaotic, leaking when the storage bags closed up but eventually managed to overcome it. To adjust the pump accordingly with the imbalance storage bags, I got no choice but to go under the shawl like a turtle hiding in its shell. Then resurface again and enjoying the breeze while pumping.

After lunch we were taken to Toko Tiga and they spent quite some time there thus delayed our Transtudio visit to 5pm.
Transtudio is the only tourist place that I know have nursing room. So it was settled there after the first 4D Marvels experience and continued with the other rides.

Had late dinner around 9pm then back to the hotel to do the motherly duty before going to bed.

Each night after returning to the hotel, I would wash the pump parts and bottles, boiling water to sterilize them, moving about in the room and the washroom. My ladyboss whom was seated on her bed suddenly said, "you make me look very free"... haha...

DAY3

As usual morning routine, then out to Kawah Putih after breakfast. It is a 2 hours journey, but our bus had some cable problem and stopped for 30 mins to fix it. Thereafter almost everyone including me fell asleep till we reach destination. I should have pumped in the bus before we reached but too late to realize that it was already 4 hours since I pumped. So we went in for about 1.5 hours, took lots of pic, but this place is not suitable for pumping.

Kawah Putih

As we hopped on the bus, I pumped with the shawl when the guide said about 20 mins to lunch place. Relieved!

Lunch place weather was cool and nice and headed back to Bandung for another session of shopping. Before everyone boarded the bus after the shopping, I hopped in for my pumping session.

We had early dinner and was sent back to the hotel. Thereafter we walked to Ciwot (Cihampelas Walk), is a mall and this is where I had my shopping spree for lo. Motherly duty after gathering sessions with the rest in one of their rooms.

DAY4

Put all my EBM into my FTG cooler bag after my morning session. Checked out at 9am. FTG then placed into my extra luggage bag and left it on the bus. Taken to Pasar Baru which is a wholesale market but less than 30mins we decided to go back to CIWOT, cos most of them did not go on Day3 and we were there for only an hour. Everyone was happy to shop at CIWOT than the wholesale market.

Had a quick lunch before everyone is done, I boarded the bus again for pumping. After lunch we were taken to Jalan Riau where Heritage, The Summit and few others are located. So everyone went shopping craze there. My extra bag with only FTG, by now is full with plastic bags, no more empty space. Then we headed to airport.

My last session for this trip, was on the plane. This time, I looked around and the flight was not full. When the seatbelt sign went off, I went to the back row. I read somewhere that the supply will be affected if you are in the air, but I got 8oz then.

Pic taken before check out

I stayed at De Batara Hotel, central location and the staff was very helpful. It does not have minibar but they helped me to store at their cafe chiller and freezer. This time, all of the EBM was left chilled. Only freeze the icepacks. The FTG cooler bag were left in their freezer the whole time. Upon going home, I added 2 sheets of 4pcs technii ice, 1 Autumn icepack and 1 Medela ice contour into the FTG together with the EBM.

Flight was at 7.20pm, arrived home 11+pm, so it was more than 13 hours journey for my chilled EBM since it left the hotel. But the Autumn Ice pack is only 1/3 melted and 2/3 like rock.

Overall, bf is possible even during tour and did not cause delay to anyone. Just need to plan and MIA for a short while here and there. Am glad to have learned to pump in the bus, on the plane and public places.

Almost 100oz is home :)

Not all babies DL from Day 1...

Bf does not come naturally as I thought. It wasn't as easy as well, but once you hanged on to it, it is not difficult too.

Unlike many babies, my lo cried each time I tried to latch him when he was hungry. At one time, he would rather close his eyes and sleep than to latch (and yes, he was hungry and crying for milk before that, and when offered he closed his eyes and sleep!). If only I could record his reaction that moment, like "got attitude" look. And he really slept.

So I left with no choice but pump. And the yield was not much like I mentioned in my previous post. I was determined even if he does not latch, I will supply him BM through EP (exclusive pumping) as I read there was people successfully become EP mum. Although my doc said if do not latch, and only pump the milk will become lesser and lesser. Anyhow, I was determined myself. The yield increased by day.

During the 3rd week noon, I was alone with lo in the room, he was half awake and he latched for the first time! (He latched a while in hosp on the 2nd day but it was very brief then rejected). I was so happy that I whatsapp a few ppl (whom knew he refused latching) and they were so happy for me.

But come the next feeding he refused again. So it was off and on, till the 2nd month. But it's a good start.
I keep on offering daily without fail.

And one day decide to try to sleeping pose and guess what? He latched... for 2 hours! Thereafter, I find it so much easier to latch for night feedings where both me and hb can rest. So no more waking up to warm up ebm, no more buckets of bottles to wash in the morning, and so on. 

Now, lo seems to know where to look for his milk although he was introduced to bottle first, it has become his 2nd choice. DL becomes his priority over bottle.

Red Dates drink

I started drinking this during my 4th month of pregnancy which I find boosted up my energy as the first 3 months I was basically not able to do much. Throwing up even when not consuming does not leave you much energy and of course I steadily lost 7kg then.

Although it was then energy booster and I wished I knew it earlier, I heard it should not be consumed for the first 3 months. Well... means I still have to go through what I went through then. Also, same people said cannot drink after 8 months pregnant till you deliver. I forgot why.

But I drank till almost deliver, perhaps not on daily basis like now. I alternate with boiling American Ginseng (the small white pieces), and when I am lack of time, I would just soak the AG pieces in boiling water instead of cooking in slow cooker.

Red dates drink is a drink that most chinese take after delivery for the entire month. I'm still taking it even after confinement and possibly, likely, maybe, that this helps to maintain the bm supply. I think.

The ingredient during my pregnancy:
20 or so red dates (depending on the size, you may adjust yourself)
11 or so black dates (depending on the size, you may adjust yourself)
2-3 honey dates (depends how sweet you want)
3 finger size of tong sum (Radix Codonopsis (Dang Shen) http://www.tcmtreatment.com/herbs/0-dangshen.htm)
wolfberry (kei chi) - agak agak 2-3 pinch

After delivery, the above add these:
dried longan (20 or so depending on your taste)
black beans (optional) - agak agak 2-3 pinch

Black beans is optional but read somewhere that it increases milk supply. However, need to be fried after you buy back the packed ones then only use to boil it together with the rest. After frying the entire pack, you can keep in a glass bottle and use it next time as you not able to finish the entire pack at once.

The measurement above is just a guideline for 3L slow cooker, you may do your own measurement and see the result if it's what you like. My friend bought a prepacked and boiled, and her feedback is it tasted sour, but mine she tasted sweet.

I usually leave it to boil in slow cooker overnight, but it can be consumed after 4 hours though.

Good luck!

BB poster photo

I am an avid fan of photobook and done a series of them for my trips before I got pregnant. Although wanted to do one for my lo, could not find the time (yet).

One day I received an email regarding Poster Photo promotion and read through it. Seems interesting and something that I have not done before. Finally, on the day the promo ended, managed to create 4 customized  Premium posters with Pixajoy. Although wanted to do some with more pictures on it, but I was running out of time and the selection of photos is time consuming. So I used the templates with max 6 photos.

Quick and easy to use and once done, it is added to the cart then paid. It arrives within 3 working days, I am delighted to receive them. At least have some photos printed out. *happy mode*

Fulfilled!

2 of my wish list fulfiled on Merdeka Day.

BM DONATED

Donated some of the FBM to a 33 weeks preemie, arranged with the mom to send to her on Merdeka Day at hospital. Continuous prayers for him as he has blood infection. Was told by the nurse that the freezer is almost full as some other mommies have donated as well, but she took in anyways. Did not manage to meet up with the mom as I was early.

Still do not consider myself with a lot of backup FBM but for case this urgent, able to advance some and told myself to be more hardworking (as a little laid back after HK trip - adjusting back to normal routine).

Have a friend too asking to spare for her, but I told her I'm not giving her because I want her to pump! Haha... (but she knows if she needs it, and I have extras, she is next in my list).

BM SOAP

Forgot to include this in my previous wish list, but it was at the corner of my mind when one of my friend posted her BM Soap pic (then only I knew such thing exist). But it was still just a thought at that time when I have none to spare.

Then recently, saw one mommy (SAHM) posted that she is making BM soap to raise funds for Adele, a special angel. Then I messaged her for further understanding of the soap and somehow we managed to meet on Merdeka noon at Pyramid. Used my pack of FBM labelled "Bathe" (supposingly for bathing) as my eyelashes fell into the bottle (filling at max! - 7oz). I would cry if this happen on my earlier days. It was carefully taken out using the pump membrane though. Plus 1oz chilled BM. She needs 8oz (240ml).

She said it takes about 6 weeks to complete it. Shall wait to see the result.

For this special angel....Adele

Read the story of this special angel, and her matured 4 years old sister and unconditional loving parents after seeing people raising funds for her.
http://borntobloved.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/the-story-of-our-little-fighter-how-it-all-begun-and-the-journey-ahead/

You may verify with mommy Mei Yean: https://www.facebook.com/mei.yean.92

Also one mummy is doing breastmilk soap to raise funds for this angel as she is a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). Very thoughtful.
=================================================================
Below is from Daphne Lee-Yang's post:
"Any form of support, may it be in financial, sponsorship or media contacts for more exposure is greatly appreciated.

For those who are able to help baby Adele financially, here is Mommy Mei Yean's banking details.

Name: Tay Mei Yean
Maybank Acc: 514235818510
Email: meiyeantay@gmail.com

Please do complete your details here for those of u who have kindly contributed:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OAmSVWK0uZc2EQoJ00rvWkhIKsECb1nF6ElggmhDoDc/viewform 

so that Mommy Mei Yean can thank each and everyone of u personally.

NOTE:
Please note that this plea for financial assistance is not organized by any organization, and any donation done is purely out of goodwill. Hence, there will be no official receipt issued. You may, however, contact Mei Yean directly to confirm whether she has received your money.

Terima kasih from the bottom of our hearts."