Pretty soon!

And we are full-term! We are 37weeks and 2days today! That's a mega milestone, a true blessing. We've managed to successfully reach full term without any major complications. All three of us doing fine, LilBums stretching away happily in his confined space, I'm barely surviving but doing ok nevertheless and Bums is coping well too.

And now, the anytime anywhere anxious wait begins. It can happen tomorrow, next week or simply next month. Literally, anytime and anywhere.

I'm super freaked out. I'm so anxious and nervous. Thought about it last nite, and I'm in a mega twist of nerves. Having butterflies is an understatement! I'm so everything, that I'm mostly quiet at home. I'm so deep in thoughts, running thru so many things in my head that I hardly speak! And that silence of my own voice sometimes scare me even! I just want everything to go on well. Really.

We met Chapati Man on Sunday. LilBums is now estimated to be around 2.75kgs. AFI is ok. Placental ad umbilical perfusion is good. No issues la. Been having slight headache lately, told him about my BP, of which my DBP sometimes exceeds 90. Been monitoring, so far ok. Urine albumin negative. Perhaps I've just been a bit paranoid of things, as always.

I just need to be reassured again and again. I've done major things before, but nothing can ever prepare me for this. Childbirth. Bums has been trying his best to support me emotionally and mentally, holding me to sleep on nights when I'm too freaked out to even sleep. Last nite while he was applying hot compression on my back, I can't help feeling so lucky and blessed, as I'm sure not many husbands would go to great ends like him to make me feel comfortable. I hope LilBums grows up to be the man his father is.

I may not say it often, but thank you Bums! I Sayang you, a lot a lot!

Breast Pump gilaness...!

Wheeeee.. mission accomplished!!! Had a whirlwind of thoughts over the past few days, going thru strollers and breast pumps options. Reading online, looking at the many reviews, weighing out the pros and cons, fighting discussing with Bums, and simply going mad. But it's all worth it. We've finally narrowed down our options. All these, with the pregnancy fog.. seriously, I kept getting so distracted so easily and forgetting why I was on this and this page and what was I was looking for at again. Sheeesshh...

And today, we survived a day at the 6th Maternity and Baby Expo, at Mid Valley.

Seriously, it was like an episode in Survivor. For me at least. I had to overcome my backache and SPD and breathless, and march forward. Dodging equally hormone-pumped preggers around, squeezing thru strollers and prams. Had a mental list of what I needed to look for, and we were spot on! Feel so accomplished!

I would like to share my take on Breast Pumps. Been surveying on em for quite some time now. Been recommended a few, but we've finally settled for the Rumble Tuff Set.

Not to sound like a know it all or what, but I kinda relied on online reading. So I hope this benefits some, at least. This is merely my personal opinion la. Others may beg to differ, though.

For us, we needed these features in a breast pump:

• Double breast pump, instead of single. Saves time, and stimulates milk production. Single pumping pumps one breast at the time. But double pumps both breast at once, either alternately or simultaneously. 
• Able to control vacuum suction. Very important, coz what if that particular model was too painful with that particular setting. One vacuum setting may not be suitable for all mothers. Hence.
• Electrical motor. Definitely tak larat wanna manual pump (bless those who had the energy and patience to manual pump, like my mom some 30 over years ago!). Would be better if that particular model can be changed from auto to manual, and vice versa.
• Cost, of coz. Must be affordable la.
• Effectiveness in mimicking natural sucking of baby. No problem, as most pumps now come with the 2 phase suction. First 1-2 minutes of the Stimulation Phase, which provides rapid suctioning to stimulate mother's ejection reflex and thus to a 'let-down', or a rapid flow of milk. This is followed by the the Expression Phase, which are longer deep suctions, similar to a baby drawing mouthful of milks. And it'll be better if these phases can be adjusted according to our comfort. Coz different mothers achieve 'let-down' at different rates.
• Portability. Has to be easy to lug about here and there, and have a battery operated option as well. Just in case I decide to express my milk in the middle of the jungle or something :p
• Should have good after sales support, for parts and stuffs. So preferably store bought, not from some online agent.

All the other factors, like noise, cleaning options, free gifts, handsfree, parts and all.. no issue la. Can be managed.

Relying on these factors, I was almost gonna get the Medela Pump In Style Advance (backpack). Almost. So so very close. Loved the Freestyle as well, but it was too expensive. No need so canggih la, either me or Bums can hold em bottles :p Weighed upon the Medela Swing Maxi as well, looked awesome and all. Decided against the Philips Avent, coz many said it was too painful and it rosak quite fast. And I wasnt very appealed by the Ameda pumps. Many other brands out there, but dint want go with the small timers la. So, we decided on Medela, it being so reputable and all. Retailed by many agents, and found some online ones as well. Retailed at around RM1k-1.5k, depending on model and which package and stuff. 

Super canggih looking, rite.

Then found some online fellas, offering the Medela PISA for RM550-650. We got really excited, and thought we've got a steal deal. But when contacted, most hardly replied and when some did, they sounded really fishy. Then Bums came across this.

We experienced the same thing, when asked to view the set the fellow suddenly said the stock is in Kelantan, so can only be posted. He wanted us to pay RM500 first\, then balance when we receive the product. Although, we doubt we'll even receive it at all!

Pheewww, lucky thing we dint commit.

Then somewhere along reading online reviews and scrutinizing every nook and corner for a good deal, we came across Rumble Tuff. Rumble Tuff originates from Korea, and is half the price of Medela, around RM500-600, depending on what kinda package you opt for. It has all the features we need in a breast pump, and according to most reviews I've read some even deem it superior to Medela. One of the minor cons of Medela, is that some say the tubing connecting the motor and the pumps tend to be vaporized sometimes, and some mothers have to keep checking paranoidly to see if there's backflow of milk. The Rumble Tuff apparently solves this problem with a anti-back flow valve. Also, the Rumble Tuff can be switched from Manual to Auto, who knows in the middle of the above said jungle my battery dies out :p so all I have to do is attach the manual lever, and get Bums to start pumping :p But apparently the Rumble Tuff is slightly more noisy than the Medela, and the tubings are a bit shorter so it kinda restricts movement a bit. But otherwise, I personally feel it weighs our the Medela in other factors. For having almost the same features (if not more!) it's so much more affordable.

Ta-da... Rumble Tuff!

So, we finalized on the Rumble Tuff Serene Express instead. Gonna beli next week.

I like the cute elephant logo, also :)

Not doing any promo or what, but those who are equally interested can visit Fabulous Mom. They were at the fair today, and the sales and discounts are similar if purchased at their store as well. So we decided to go pay them a visit next week, instead of squeezing around with other preggies today. Plus, if we buy things at their store, we're eligible for various PWP, and I can hence get more things for a cheaper price *claps* At FM, one can also opt to test run any of the available breast pumps, to make it easier to choose. Coz what is best for me, may not be good for you, kan?

I really hope to be able to Breast feed LilBums, exclusively at least til 6 months. Semangat now itself, hopefully will have a good supply and not much issues. Hope most mothers-to-be feel the same! 

Once purchase, I shall share my shopping experience at FM. Kinda looking forward to it, coz there's so many things at the store I wanna borong!! Cant wait.

Ok, tired of typing.

Staying over at Shah Alam tonite, coz Bums has class and he'll be going out Karaoking later with his friends. So I dont wanna be home alone. What if I go into labour. What IF la.. tteehehehehehe....

Hope this helps. Perhaps after actually using a breast pump, I'll review on it as well. 

Next, if rajin, I'll share my stroller shopping adventure. New stroller to be collected tomorrow *claps*

Happy Friday, all!

Super cool app!

Past few days, been resting at home. Literally. Felt good, felt relaxed. And today, when Im back to work, LilBums has been up to his normal yoga routine. Stretching and kicking away, so much so I had to stand up and walk around when consulting patients just so they dont see me cringing in pain. Forget Kegels for pelvic floor muscles, I think LilBums is shaping up my diaphragm to become muscle man. Pheewww....

Feeling ok today. A bit tired from work, but tolerable.

Waiting for Bum Bum to come home, he's stuck in traffic :(

Oh, if you're an Instagrammer like me then you'd be happy to know about this cool app called InstaB Pro which is currently FREE on iTunes! So go go grab it fast, it's a super cool way to snap photos of your lil ones later. It's FREE for a limited time, soon it'll be $1.99 I think. Download it here! I dont know how to tampal the iTunes store badge :)

See.. pretty cool, kan!!!

Yay!!! BumBum just came home..and Moo Moo's gone all crazy, jumping over him! I dunno who is more happier that he's back.

Mummy boiled wax pumpkin soup again today. Hopefully it'll reduce my lower limb swellings.

Happy mid-week, ya'll!!!

36!

Been super busy last week. Ultimate locum marathon! T'was the last straw, before all engines take a hiatus and start preparing for the upcoming excitement!

Yes, we are now 36 weeks! *gasps*

Im feelin em Braxton Hicks, and they're getting stronger. Still irregular, so Im pretty sure it's still ok. There were many a times last week, I had contractions while consulting a patient and it was an ultimate challenge to keep a straight face without having to look like a constipated nut! So far, they've been aborted spontaneously aborted. Ive got Ventolin tabs around just in case, but havent needed to use them just yet.

New symptoms: more like new super powers! I can sleep in the same position for hours! I realised, Im able to lie down on my side (either left or rite, most of the time left) for over 4 hours! But when I eventually do wake up and need to turn, it hurts like hell and is super susah! Sometimes I wish a crane will left me up, and place me down comfortably.

Also I noticed Im salivating a lot. I wonder if that's normal?

Slowing down things a bit this week. Getting ready. Sorting things out. Lots to do. Mentally, physically and emotionally. We're now staying in Shah Alam, most likely till delivery.

LilBums is kicking away happily now as I type. And in  a matter of weeks, we'll be able to cuddle him in our arms.

Much love!

35!

Selamat Pagi!!!!

I caught my reflection waddling to my penguin gait this morning, and people having breakfast in the nasi kandar shop there must have been thinking... 'What a crazy pregnant penguin!' Coz I dint realize I was giggling to myself! So funny!!!

We are now 35days and 2days! In less than 2 weeks, I can have my water bag pecah while walking, or develop contractions while watching tv, or have a show of blood just before I pee. In less than 14 (HOMAIGOD!!!!) I can go into labour.. In the middle of the night, or while driving, or while waiting for the lift, or while in the movies. Y'know.. Like anytime, anywhere! Or if LilBums is too comfortable in there he might just wait til 40weeks and decide he's had enough of womb service and pop out only around mid/early December!

Our visit to Chapati Man last weekend finally bore great news. LilBums' weight and size has finally normalized, and now corresponds his gestational age. Weighing in at 2.6kg, he was super active but we still managed to catch glimpses of him waving his arms around and opening and closing his mouth like a gold fish! Overall, both Mummy and LilBums are doing well!

As for me, the increasing gravidity is making it much harder for me to go on daily! I get breathless just by showering and getting ready for work. I hate bedtimes coz it's so hard to get in bed and turn around during sleeping. I've become accustomed to having puffy ankles, and they only start hurting towards the end of the day so it aint so bad! All I think about is the gifted child I'm carrying, and anticipate his arrival and that keeps me going. You'd better be super cute, LilBums! 😜

I'm now eating small regular bites, almost hourly. Nibbling like a lil mice. And that keeps the bloatedness and nausea at bay. Coz LilBums goes into this yoga craze sometimes and stretches so much his bums literally pushes the fundus to great heights! That squeezes every available space around that area, and most food stored in my stomach will most likely be projected outward! Hence..

I'm glad Bums tries to help me out at home. Last nite he made most of our dinner, and cleaned up the kitchen even! And this morning, he made me sandwiches so I can nibble on small portions all day long. Thank you BumBum!!

Told Chapati Man about the increasing SPD pain. Past two nites, it was so painful I was crying myself to sleep 😞 Chapati Man said he'll check for CPD, and ensure I can birth via SVD. *fingers crossed*

LilBums just woke up, and is happily tickling away at my bladder and lower abdomen! 💖👪

Have a good week, ya'l!! Much love!!

Food and Rest

This week is dedicated for food and plenty of sleep. Took a week off to catch up on my sleep and also to makan makan since its the deepavali season. For my thalai deepavali, I had a good time in Shah Alam. I was taken care of well with lots of thosai, chicken curry and biscuits. Am continuing my holiday break in JB now with plenty of sleep.

Once I am back to KL, things will start being busy. We havent set up the 2nd room to welcome our new born. Need to sell off the bed so that to give more space. Who wants a queen mattress together with the bed and is hardly used for a stellar price of rm850, contact me!! Doing a bit of promo here :)

Baby is becoming bigger and bigger. I think towards the end of the trimester, the growth is quite rapid so much so you can feel the baby's head and buttocks just by pressing on to the stomach. I think looking at how Anan movement is so restricted, we might be moving to her parents house in Shah Alam so that she can use the bedroom in the ground floor. Her walk i guess is more difficult now since the baby is becoming quite a size, as it is Chappati man says the baby is rather big.

Next month, I would be becoming a dad. Cant believe.. This year my status changes so fast.. Last year, I am still a bachelor, early of this year I am married and next month I am a dad. Weeee... Familia.... So me and the baby will have a full day work annoying Anan :) I have a feeling that the baby would be in my camp most of the time.

Have a good day, y'all.. Till I blog again.

Panic Attacks!

Back to work, after such a long break! Double whammy, coz Bums is visiting his mum back in JB and will only be back tomorrow :( I miss him :( 

I keep looking at my BabyBump app and keep getting a nervous breakdown. It's just a matter of days now, and I really can't help freaking out. Had baby nightmares again last nite :( I know I've gotta stay positive and be prepared for it all, but sometimes I can't help being so paranoid of what could go wrong, especially after having witnessed so many births. Haihs.. Should have been a farmer instead!

Anyways, LilBums has descended lower now, almost completely engaged. I think there's hardly room for his random acrobatics in there now so I only feel him tickling or punching me at my suprapubic area (this becomes really challenging especially when I need to pee!!!) or feel his bum bum pushing upwards towards my rib cage, or feel his tiny feet kicking lightly at the sides. His movements are less vigorous, due to his expanding size and limited space but I still get a ganas kick once in a while!

Today I tried eating smaller amounts, but frequently. As its harder for me to walk arnd with a filled stomach now that I'm so much more gravid than before. The bloated sensation and refluxes are now super exaggerated, and I have to sit upright in order to feel comfortable from the pressure exerted by the uterus. Overcoming it gradually, and trying to be comfortable.

Mum has been cooking wax pumpkin lately, as we've been told it helps with the leg swelling. And surprisingly it really does reduce my swelling! I expected the wax pumpkin to taste like regular pumpkins which I like, but it doesn't.. I don't really like it. But have to telan nevertheless!

Ok, I'm gonna google relaxation techniques and calm my nerves. And not think about birthing and everything associated to it.

Have a good week ya'l!

Happy Deepavali!

Been a super busy week!!! Festivities and all. And guess what, we be 34 weeks tmrw *lub*dub*lub*dub* Super freakin out now, as in another 21 days we'll be full term and can pop, any given day! I wonder, and wonder when will you choose to come out LilBums. Will you decide to peep thru by 37th-38th week, or will you wait the whole 40 weeks and pop only by mid December at the given date. I know Im gonna be super anxious the moment we hit 37th. Coz by then, it could really be anytime, anyday. Whoooaaa... this just got so real.

We managed to find the support belt, and that has really been an ultimate blessing. It has gotten rid of 80% of the pain, making this so much more easier. Especially on days when we had so much to do, and I had to be on my feet the whole time. If it wasnt for the belt, my SPD would have defnitely caused premature contractions! As it is, the Braxton Hicks are getting a bit stronger. But it is still tolerable. I strongly suggest most mummies get the belt if at all they experience the similar pain. Bums literally went hunting for it, online and around MV, and we finally found my size in Mothercare, MV and got it for RM79.90. So far, Mothercare has been really helpful and most outlets are pretty well stocked up. It has gotta be tight so you really have to test it out and make sure it's more than just a snug fit.














I find this version more comfortable, as it doesnt hug the entire belly. Also, it's adjustable and more convenient to use.












This is the other type. I personally feel, this hugs quite snugly around the belly and make limit movement a tad bit. Also, it's not adjustable and I do wonder if the garters will get loose.



Both legs have been hurting so bad over the past few days, from all the swelling. It swelled up really bad, especially last nite going all the way up towards almost the knees. So today's rule is to hydrate-hydrate-and more hydration. Nothing but just good ol plain water. Constant elevation, especially when sleeping. And when sleeping, try lying down on the left side to encourage venous return. That helps a lot too. Another comforting measure is when Bums massages both feet just before bed time, that really does wonders!


This year, we celebrated Deepavali for the first time as a married couple. T'was simple, yet memorable! Being around loved ones, awesome food and all. Played fireworks and nite, and I kept checking to see if LilBums was ok after each deafening one of those bombs! T'was just lovely. And the lil tiny thought in the very lil corner of our minds, over how this time around next year we'll have LilBums crawling around making it a much more merrier celebration! *grins* Life's pretty amazing!

Yummy breakfast of chicky curry and thosai!

Mummy & Daddy gave us Deepavali pressies!

Now married edi, must give Thambi angpau!

And another Thambi!

In the evening, we visited Chuppu Patti who's admitted for Pneumonia. We brought Deepavali to her, with idli, thosai, chicky curry, payasam and cookies! 

Mummy and I!

We brought Patti walking, and brought the entire party to the Floor's waiting lounge!

Mummy & Daddy!

Tired looking me, and kenyang looking Bums and happily kicking away LilBums! :)