Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Maternity Clothing in Singapore

I have some hand me downs but 1) my sister was so slim (her full term belly = my 6th month belly) 2) my SIL had loan hers to others so I had to wait a little while more to get some clothing from her - so I ended up doing some shopping for maternity clothes (although my sister bought me some new pieces too - I guess, any excuses for shopping ... have you ever been on the Victoria's Secrets website? It's very addictive ... and they accept credit cards from Singapore).

I decided initally to buy some from GAP but after the WORST ever service I encountered, I returned the order, borne return postage as long as I didn't have anything to do with them anymore. And till now, they still have not refunded the credit charges yet. This service from GAP deserve one full posting by itself - if I can bring myself to rant and rave over their lousy servive again.

In the end, I bought some of my maternity clothing from ... VICTORIA'S SECRETS! They were having sale so I bought the babydoll tees, and some tee-shirt bras (my favourite). Some purchases (like the dress) were so-so but generally the babydoll tees were a good buy. The idea was that I could still wear the clothes for normal wear after I've *slimmed* down after pregnancy.

I also purchased my maternity pants - 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of cordroy (?) pants and 1 pair of yoga pants from OldNavy Maternity. I also bought some tee shirt maternity blouses for work and some camis. Generally I consider my buy from OldNavy as the best - because I saw similar stuff sold in a local shops with the pricing doubled (this considering I include shipping costs for my per piece purchase from OldNavy.

Recently, I went shopping again (at Suntec), for CNY clothes and I spent about $400 :P so what did I buy?

The first shop I ventured into was Spring Maternity. Their jeans look like a good buy at $79.90 but I already have mine so I'm good. The rest of the clothes - er ... I thought look pretty blah ... maybe I was looking for brighter colour clothings.

1 dress $79.90 (which is really a maternity dress - you can't use it after the pregnancy as a normal dress)
1 pair of capri pants $39.90

Then I walked a bit more (looking for the loo) and I chanced upon Perfect Mum. Well, this shop looks like a local outfit (meaning more like Far East Plaza kinda shop) so anyway went in to take a look. The sales staff is superb at sales, so while I didn't buy everything they recommended, I came away with

1 dress $79.90 or $89.90 (which I can double as a evening dress or cocktail dress after I return to my normal size) 10% discount
1 black capri pants $39.90 10% discount
1 white capri pants $59.90 10% discount
2 tube tops cum nursing tops (PINK!!! YAY!!!!!!) $39.90 each or $49.90 each (which if I leave the nursing *hole* intact I still can wear as a normal casual top) 10% discount
1 pack of maternity undies (my current undies are getting *tight*) $36.90 no discount
1 strapless nursing bra $25 I think (with 50% discount already)

The Hubby ranted and raved for a while after I came home with the purchases - unfortunately that's the problem with maternity wear in Singapore - expensive investment for such a short period of time (I have slightly more then 2 months to go). The only good thing is really, I try to pick pieces I can wear after the pregnancy as normal wear (I think it will take a LOONNNNGGGG while before I ever get to slim down). Oh the capri pants is all the V front with adjustable straps, meaning all I need is to make it tighter if I want to wear post pregnancy, but it's a comfortable fit - I dun have to worry about the "rubber band" constriction during the last stage of pregnancy.

Don't buy on impulse, just make sure it's not overtly expensive if you are constrained by a budget and do look for pieces that can be worn post maternity.

URL for online maternity shopping site: www.oldnavy.com (only accept US credit cards, else make use of the VPOST concierge services) (only US$5 shipping to any US destination! I use VPOST USA shipping services to Singapore)

URL for online addictive shopping site: www.victoriassecret.com (look out for sales period - best time to pick pieces on sales or take adv of the offer of up to 30% discount or free shipping to any US destination. I use VPOST USA shipping)

Perfect Mum and Spring Maternity (and other shops) is located at Suntec City Mall - 3rd level, just round the corner from Toy R Us.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Ante-nantal Class No 2.

This class was more squeamish than the first - they showed a video on a various types of pain relief. Needless to say, the epidural looks like the most painful pain relief to be administered.

Laughing gas (Entanox I think) looks the simpliest, since it's just inhaling gas at the start of each contractions. The pain relief is of course a lot less than being administered the epidural.

The class also covered some more exercises which we had difficulty in grasping the concepts initally, but after a while, the hubbies were "trained" to helped their wives to do the exercies correctly.

One of the MOST IMPORTANT lessons learnt was how the baby will look like after being delivered. Apparently he or she will be darkish in colour as well as covered in white stuff. The instructor gave us the warning ahead of what to expect, in case we freak out when the baby is placed on us (for bonding). Next week, we will have a glimpse since we will be watching the video on birthing *groan*

Apparently I'll be the perfect candidate for epidural since I have such low threshold of pain - So C or N? *argh*

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Suffering pain for nothing =(

We made our way down to the clinic this morning - me, hungry and thristy, and dreading the immediate future.

First thing they asked for was a sample of my urine, to which thankfully my bladder cooperated. I thought I had emptied my bladder as much as I could at home, but I guess my late night (before 12 midnight) binging on water/ soup helped a little.

Then as usual, my veins are kind of missing in action, so they could only choose one of the vein which was slightly more obvious. Yes, it was painful as usual, so I guess it's not a matter of skills, it's just too bad for me that the veins willing to present itself are the ones which will cause me more pain.

The sugar solution, which they had kindly added a little more water for me, tasted like very bad lime cordial. They won't let me suck or add my lemon, so I had to just drink it as it is. I had a total of 4 small cups, and I took almost 15 minutes to finish it. This is considering that I was already very thristy. Barely after I had finished the second cup, my head started throbbing. By the third cup, I was feeling queasy. Anyway, I managed to finish the 4th cup and rested in the room. I had the urge to hurl but got my hubby to pat my back, so I burped instead.

Alas, but all in vain. Just 20 minutes to go before they draw my blood again, I hurled out at least 1 cup of the solution. So the test had to be cancelled for today and to be done another day.

*sigh*

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Hospital/ Labour Bag Checklist

Since I'm waiting for my herbal soup to cool down, I might as well post up the checklist of items to pack for the labour/ hospital bag (as long promised):
  1. Hospital Notes
  2. Birth Plan
  3. Nightgowns (preferably the type you can unbutton in front of easy breastfeeding)
  4. Maternity bras
  5. Bra pad
  6. Maternity sanitary pads
  7. Small plastic bags for soiled stuff (personal hygiene)
  8. Bedroom Slippers
  9. Nipple Cream
  10. Dark coloured towel
  11. Comfortable briefs or disposable underwear
  12. Clothes for when leaving the hospital
  13. Favourite tioletries

For your partner:

  1. Coins - lots of them for the vending machines
  2. Camera, storage card/ laptop plus charger (film too if you are not on digital yet)
  3. Handphones plus charger (if any)
  4. Videocam plus charger (if any)
  5. Change of clothes (if bunking in)
  6. SHAVER (no scratchy chins allowed!)
  7. Reading materials

For your baby (if the hospital is not providing any):

  1. Baby Vests
  2. Scratch mitts and booties (about 3 pairs each)
  3. Wrapping blanket
  4. Disposable diapers or nappies
  5. Preferred baby tioletries (if you are insisting on organic products)

I think I've gotten most of the items above - just need to sort them out, washed them with the baby laundry detergent and then pack it nicely into a bag or two.

I'm almost there!

Why some names don't make it to my list

1) Deborah - reminds me of Nicholas Tse's mother (Patrick Tse's ex wife)
2) Megan - My friend's child's name
3) Jewel - as above
4) Jade - as above
5) Clara - as above
6) Natalie - as above
7) Esther - as above
8) Beatrice - Why would you want to leave you kid's future happiness in some cruel kid's hand? She's never live it down as "Beat rice! Beat the rice!"
9) Angelique - Thanks to a timely reminder of a child's cruelty, "Angel Lick Me!"
10) Ruth - Wruff wruff!

I'll update more when I can remember ... sometimes it's a child's cruelty that scares me the most.

The looming doom of the needles

I have this glucose test tomorrow - not sure of the actual test name - but it's suppose to test if I have gestational diabetes.

I am to stop all food and water by 12 midnight, make my way to the clinic tomorrow at 9 plus then (if I am not wrong) 1) take my blood, and drink the sugary solution 2) wait for 1 hour, take blood again 3) wait for another hour, take blood again. All with no other food or drink inbetween. I have a problem too, when I get a sugar high, my head splits apart in the form of a migraine. So the clinic says to remind them to give me a little more water. I am also bringing a sliced lemon, to suck on. I doubt I want to have the sugary taste lingering in my mouth for 2 hours.

It's the needles that's making me quake in my flats. I hate needles, I hate having my blood drawn, I HATE PAIN, period. I just hope I don't scream down his entire clinic.

:~(

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Chinese name for my girl

This is the Chinese name I like ...

赖恺宁 lai4 kai3 ning2

恺 for happy
宁 for serenity

Why I like this name - Most of all, I want her to be happy in life. Serenity is important too, given my fiery temper so hopefully she can counter my stubborn streak with her serenity.

Hopefully my choice has the correct number of strokes, etc etc. Will ask one master to see if the name is suitable for her.

The characters should be not be too difficult to write too, since I already have problems trying to write my hubby's surname!

Er, say that again?

I was talking to a gf today and out of curiosity, asked her how she would pronounce the name "Keira".

Surprisingly, it was quite similar to my pronounciation, it would be "Key-Air-Ra".

Why? I happened to come across this forum thread discussing this very question and to be honest, I widened my eyes a little. You can access it here.

As my gf puts it, it is a problem when choosing a name for your child. You want it to be unique but you would want it to be easily pronounciable by others. She faced it herself, since most of us had difficulty in pronouncing her son's name "Liam". Most of the time, it sounded like the Hokkien word for "Sticky". However, she found a good way to help people like me remember how to pronounce it - the second half of "Wil-liam". I was like "Geez, that's easy!" I just hope I can remember it!

Someone also told me, a colleague of hers named her child as "Phoebe" but pronounced it as "Foe-Bee" until someone corrected her.

So that's lesson number 1 for me, so "Keira" is out. It's just too much work to debate how your child's name should be pronounced.

Monday, January 22, 2007

What's in a name?

What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;

Shakespeare



Ok, serving up the names in the family...

1 Alissa
2 Anjanette
3 Anna
4 Anne
5 Carol
6 Cecilia
7 Chloe
8 Denise
9 Diane
10 Elena
11 Elisabeth
12 Elizabeth
13 Emily
14 Grace
15 June
16 Margaret
17 Maureen
18 Melissa
19 Nichole
20 Olivia
21 Paula
22 Phoebe
23 Victoria

I'm sure there's more but I cannot remember at this point. I'll add on if I recall them.

So a list of possible names I've made out (I'm quite settled on the Chinese name already):

1 Alexis
2 Ashley
3 Charlotte
4 Charmaine
5 Emma
6 Ida
7 Isabelle
8 Kaydee
9 Kaylee
10 Keira

Somebody help me?

Ante-natal Class No 1

Just attended our first lesson on Sunday at TMC - quite happy actually because they taught the hubbies how to give back and leg massages to the wives. I should have went for the class earlier!

In the class, there were other ladies indulging in Coke like me (I don't feel so bad now but the instructed said we need to aviod all carbonated drinks) and there were some asking about eating sashimi and drinking alcohol. I'm just glad I'm already gone for my holiday in Japan and my obgyn gave me quite a leeway in my choice of food/ drinks. Oh and I'm not that late too, some ladies are about as advanced as me, so I don't feel so "slow".

We had 1 free Avent milk bottle (with some Avent brochures but I already bought my Avent electric milk pump and some milk bottles) so now i have a total of 6 Avent bottles. I really need to get down and sort out my baby stuff - I'm getting a bit overwhelmed already. My sis-in-law (hubby's side) asked if we need to borrow anything, but frankly speaking, as usual, I have no clue.

Oh ya, need to pack the hospital bag *argh* Now I'm just pre-occupied with the baby name - I made out a list of names in the family and I'm looking at 23 names (including my MS). Quite a list to filter out *sigh* I'll post up the names after this.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Pre-natal massage - HmMmmmM

Managed to get some time off from work today and rushed down for my first pre-natal massage ever.

To be honest, I was really looking forward to this since I'm really quite tired out this whole week (been having nightmares about work and for some strange reasons, dreaming about having to feed 3 doggies).

The place isn't too far off from the office, and thank goodness it wasn't raining, plus traffic at that hour was still quite bearable. Took me only 15 minutes to reach there, so I was in fact even early for my appointment.

The place is in a kinda strange location, in an industrial building and the entrance is in the carpark itself! But the place inside is nicely decorated and cosy, so it is quite a plus point.

The massage was about 60 minutes long and it was GOOD. I fell asleep and even snored :P As usual, after the massage, the sales talk begun. My hubby would be so proud of me, I actually resisted buying any packages. Anyway, it doesn't make sense. They won't do pre-natal massages for beyond 8 months and I'm going to be in my 7th month soon (I just found out - I thought I was still in my 6 months, so I am officially in my 3rd trimester!).

Besides I had some grouses about the place, which are: 1) The massage bed is so HARD that my hips hurt while lying on it - I even had difficulty turning to my sides because it's actually painful to do so. This could be solved if they had a mattress padding or some sort, but I doubt they had any. They said the bed was probably too new - so new that I could feel the board under? 2) The massage starts from the feet up, and they didn't even wipe down the feet or offer a basin of water to wash in. Not that I really mind, but if my feet is really hot and sweaty, I'll be really quite unhappy.

Still, for the massage alone, I may still make another trip down, just hopefully they won't try to sell me some packages. I came away much more relaxed and my tight shoulder muscles loosen. The back doesn't hurt as much either - I think I will have a really good sleep tonight! ;)

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Baby's weighing in by the kg now!

Baby's currently in her 27th week, weighing in at 1.1kg. Me? I gained ... let me count, 64.2kg - 62.9kg that works out to be 1.3kg. Not to bad, in all, I've gained *erm* 64.2kg - 59.8kg = 4.4kg? My maths is really bad so if it's wrong, do tell me so ;P

Dr Y says baby's weight is of the "normal size" and my weight gain is ok. However, he did say baby will gain weight more quickly from now. I panicked a little and asked, "How much? 4 kg at delivery?" He laughed and said if anything beyond 3.5kg, he'll ask me to do a C section. That set me thinking a bit ...

Then we discussed a bit on the birthing bit, and I told him I'll try natural (he nodded and said,"Good.") but if I had to be induced it's confirmed C for me. He went, "Ah ... but we won't know if you need to be induced." So I said, "Ya precisely, so if I had to be, I definitely want C!" As usual, we will discussed that at a later date. Then he asked about the choice of hospital. So I told him we had already signed up for the TMC FBI thingy plus completed tour BUT ... I had visited my colleague who just gave birth in Mt A and I did a site visit of the tiolet. I told him, based on the tiolet alone, I'm so tempted to pick Mt A. I think Dr Y is probably wondering what a weird patient he has, but anyway he said, "the tiolet is not the only one that's old, have you seen the labour ward?" We replied we've looked at the place so we know it has not been renovated yet. We also talked about the nicely renovated rooms which is not likely going to be given to us, since it's upon request and they will try to acceed to the request if possible (sounds like a hotel upgrade). I think he's really pro Mt A for whatever reason. However, he did say the single bed is very popular too so it can be quite hard to get it. Sometimes they convert a double room to a single room because they cannot cope with the demand for a single room.

Frankly speaking for TMC, if I am paying the same amount of $$ for the renovated and unrenovated rooms, so why can't I have a choice? So another plan that has become unstuck and back to the musing board.

Oh and the hubby complained that I never discuss with him about going for natural now and the change of mind in hospital. Well, I'm blogging it my dear, and if you are too busy to read this, what makes you think you won't be too busy to listen to my musings? =)

Before I forget, WE FINALLY HAVE THE FIRST PICTURE OF THE BABY!!!! Dr Y asked, "Oh none at all? Not even the 1st trimester?" We chorused, "NO!!!" I'll post it up later when hubby has gotten around to taking a picture for me.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The discomfort of a very comfortable baby

I'm not sure how she's curled up in me but it's sure uncomfortable for me. It has been like this for the past few days and it's simply not fun to stand or walk.

My colleagues have told me to coax her gently by talking to her and rubbing my belly. I've tried the method - I guess it only works if she's awake and not zzZzzzZ away.

For now, I just hope the discomfort doesn't increase. Tomorrow it's the routine visit to Dr Y and We'll see how she's lying (I suspect sideways!) and how much she has grown. Frankly speaking, I feel I have lost weight, even my double chin looks smaller - all this despite my Coke chugging habit/ craving.

My appetite has also changed - I tend to prefer soupy stuff now. All the fried and spicy stuff is giving me heartburn *sob* and if I take something really heavy for lunch, I'll prob burp out sometime at 7 or 8 in the evening. To begin with, I already have a weak disgestive system.

What I am looking forward to though, is my first pre-natal massage. I called up after seeing an advert in the magazine and for 50 minutes of massage, I pay $48 (applicable only for 1st timer). Sounds like a good deal and a good way to relax (I can snore my way through a 50 min foot massage too!). I guess it's time to pamper myself a little, before the harsh reality of sleeplessness sets in.

Only 3 months to go ... I'll panic over the weekend and stress my hubby too, if I'm in the mood. I'm actually planning to go and get a facial done on Saturday *wink*

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The N word or C word?

Wondering why I suddenly had a change of mind again? to consider Natural Birth, since I was so strongly advocating for C Section.

Well, partly it had to do with a family conversation with my sister and my sister-in-law (sil for short). My sis had to go through C section because she had a low lying placenta. However, she encouraged me to go for natural because after the op, it's when all the pain starts and plus having to carry a urine bag around. The way she describe how the urine bag is attached is pretty gross! Then my sil said, actually I should try for natural first, but if it's not possible, then go for C section. I recalled reading somewhere that some mothers want to go alnatural but because of some complications, they had to under C section and they were so devastated by it. Hmmm, makes sense actually. So I guess I will try natural birthing, but will opt for C section (I wonder if I will jump at the offer at the slightest excuse) if need be. I know for sure, if I had to be induced for labour for whatever reason, then I'm going for C section.

Anyway I'm due to see Dr Y this Thurs and we'll see what happens. For all I know, after having to do the blood glucose test, I'll be screaming my head off and refusing to think about natural birth again. It could well go back to square one!

After all, we can plan for everything, but not everything will turn out as planned.

And oh er, baby is in her 26th week, or I have about 3 months to go before the EDD. It's starting to scare me a little :P I still have yet to find a maid and a confinement lady *argh*

Sunday, January 14, 2007

are you going to give birth soon?

That's it - first I get people commenting that I am carrying twins, then not 1 but 2 shop sales assistant got very worried and asked me "Are you going to give birth soon?"
 
I got a bit crossed but i replied humourously, "I hope not! I'm not due till 3 months later!" Then I patted my tummy and go, "Not now ok?"
 
Then as usual they all went, "But you are so big already!" Yes I know, but I'm not about to snap back "Yes, about 99 other people told me so already!" I just smile.
 
Apparently I take after my mother, who was according to the legend, as huge as me when she was carrying her first child, my eldest sister, June. So I got this part of the genetic heritage right but none of my sisters had pig trotters feet like me! *sob* Maybe I should find out what else happened in the legend - for example, if she had a 25 hour labour period, no way am I going to consider natural birth!
 
Talking about that, I am now considering natural birth again - still without epidural if possible, but I have no idea. All the best plans can be scuttled if the little one in me doesn't cooperate or my body refuses to respond to my needs. So ... I guess back to the drawing board - we can have plan A, B C or even D if necessary, since things always don't go as planned. It's getting hard to turn in bed now, it actually hurts to sleep on my back! So I am beginning to feel the urgency and the pending arrival of the little one. I hope I don't go into the panic mode anytime soon.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The Big Foot

Not the Abominable Snowman's feet, but mine =(

I hadn't realise how BIG it had swell up to until I was waddling down the stairs on my way home. My feet felt "funny" so I look a look and I was so horrified. It's so swollen even flexing my toes felt strange. I had never seen it so huge before and I guess it's off to bed early for me and resting with my feet up on a cushion, as much as I dislike doing that. Probably need to persuade my hubby to give a foot massage and hopefully I'll get around to going to Traquility Cove to get a proper foot massage.

I guess it means I would have time to read up on the checklist for the hospital bag. Tomorrow's the last day of Robinson's preview sale so hopefully I can get something worthwhile. Just hope my feet won't be as swollen else I will have difficulty moving around.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Prioritising my Priorities

I know I should be getting ready for items in my nursery and my hospital bag - I already have the checklist from TMC as well as one from MotherCare. But, I seriously haven't look at it yet.

My part time maid is a lot more organised than me - she made me put all my baby stuff together so I can take stock as and when I need to and she organised them in piles - clothing, disposables stuff and "equipment". So next thing is once I've gathered the necessary clothing, it's time to wash them before packing them into the bag. I did some shopping for mittens and socks, but that's about it :P

I'll post up the list once I've actually gone through it.

So what have I done so far? Er, hehe I've actually shortlisted the company I am going to order my baby full month's cakes from. I know it's VERY VERY early, but it's something positive for me to focus on other than the scary thought of giving birth. I've more or less decided on www.sweetestmoments.com.sg - I like the packaging and the pricing is quite reasonable. Plus I am a FBI card holder hehehe.

Monday, January 08, 2007

The weakest link - the bladder

It hadn't happen for sometime already, but since I've forgotten repeatedly to do the exercise, I guess I was looking for trouble =(
 
So what is the "it" that I'm referring to? It's the leakage of the bladder when I sneeze or cough or even have the urge to hurl. Today was particularly bad since I was in the office when I choked on a pineapple tart. Needless to say, I had some floor cleaning to do, just lucky that no one noticed where the drops of liquid came from (it happened along the corridor *sigh*).
 
Anyway back to exercising or wearing maxi pads to work =(

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Restless baby ...

She isn't kicking hard but she's just restless it seems, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep. I just hope she doesn't get this restless when she grows bigger in the 3rd trimester!

Went down to TMC and signed up for the FBI (1st born incentives) and antenatal class. The FBI membership came with a goodie bag and I've yet to rummage through what's in it. After that, I wanted to go for my foot massage too (right foot starting to swell again) but we have a huge pile of laundry waiting for us at home, so let's not waste the sun while it shines brightly I guess.

I ordered this Pregnany Belly Salve, in place of the jojoba oil I've been using on my tummy. I thought it might be less messy but let's see how good it is. It's suppose to be organic too, which may be a good idea since my thighs are still prone to rashes.

Monday, January 01, 2007

showing off the belly

Today I finally had the chance to go swimming and since I didn't buy any maternity swinwear, I had the perfect excuse to wear my bikini! I only wore it once when I was at Bintan and never quite had the courage to proudly flaunt my fats at the pool.

Lucky that my bikini fit! My bust seems a bit overwhelming for the top, but it managed to cover the vital parts perfectly and without exposing to much of the fair skin.

However, the pool was COLD ... and I took more than 15 minutes to finally accept the cold, but nevertheless, was still COLD. I didn't really swim, since I was having tummy twitches which made it quite hard to swim. So I made my hubby walk across the pool while I hung from his shoulders. It was still quite nice, since floating in the pool made me forget how clumsy I am become for a while. But *sigh* once I had to get out of the pool, I felt like an elephant =( Basking in the sun for 5 minutes while waiting for my hubby to complete his "exercise" made me feel quite good though.

There was a baby boy "swimming" in the pool with his parents, and he must have enjoyed himself. He was giggling and laughing when I went into the pool, and by the time I was basking in the sun, he was fast asleep on his father's shoulder (well wrapped in a towel).

The swim was a good break from the "spring cleaning" we were doing. Actually we were just trying to relocate the computers to another section of the house but it's quite a major exercise, considering that I'm not helping with the shifting of the furniture. I could only helped to pack the barang and relocate them to another corner. Now, I am just staring at the pile on the floor. It's suppose to be an weekend to rest and to catch up with some office work, but it's more like a rampage through the china store and now having to pick up all the pieces.

*yawn* I think I'll take a quick nap first before continuing with the cleanup operation.