Confinement: Entering The 4th Week

It's another 9 days til Bosco is 1-month-old.
They say the first month is always the toughest. And I couldn't agree more!
The confinement days so far has been like a roller coaster ride for me, especially the breastfeeding journey. I was overly-confident that, if I could feed Chloe well 2 years ago, so could I this round. I was so wrong. And the fact that Bosco is a 'lil milk monster, is making it tougher.
I hope I could conquer the coming days in a breeze...

First Week
• Beaming with smile after a smooth delivery - seeing baby well and healthy (and does actually look like me a little!)
• Suffered from bad engorgement in day 4-5 and never can latch on hungry baby successfully.
• Resort to feeding baby EBM but at the same time, could only pump out so little, on the contrary to how hard the breasts are.
• Finally the blocked ducts were cleared with a lots of massaging, and I could pump out a good 8 oz at one go.

Second Week
• Both mummy and baby had to go back for 1-week review. I was healing well but poor Bosco had to be admitted for phototherapy. His jaundice level shot up to 21 points and boy, I was heartbroken.
• Decided to let the nurse feed him FM during the treatment as we're suspecting too much ginger in my food intake. That 2 days were the only time I could store and freeze my EBM.
• Continue to feed Bosco for 2 more days after he's discharged with the jaundice level at borderline, 9 points.
• Towards the end of the week, feeding was back on track. Bosco could latch well and I continued to pump to store too. "That should be the way," until...

Third Week
• Out of nowhere, Bosco rejected to latch and was screaming his lungs out each time I offered him. If he wasn't crying, he would fall asleep half way feeding.
• That few days were already enough to make my supply drop into half.
• And as I'm typing this entry, I'm already thawing the frozen EBM to keep up with Bosco's growth spurt.
• Though sometimes he would still latch on, I hardly could keep him full for long. Bottle feeding still does a better job.

Geez... I really don't know how long I could keep up with this moo moo job. I'm downing lots of soup and hot beverages. Please bless me with lotsa milk! Moooooo...

The Birth of Bosco

Wow wee! Finally I got the chance to write about Bosco's birth story... at this wee hour.. My afternoon was usually spent taking care of him, and his attention seeking sista, Chloe! I believe things will get better soon.

Anyway, let's go back to a week before to touch on the birth of Bosco.

It was Tuesday, 18 Aug 2009, after we've decided to induce delivery. Coincidentally, Chloe was also born on a Tuesday.

At 9:00 am, hubby and I had reported to ACJ Clinic, I was trying to snap my last few pregnancy shots, and the hubby was idling...

9:20 am, the nurse inserted the 'magical tablet' to trigger contractions. VE done, no dilation or contraction yet. Asked to return at 2pm for another check.

10:00 am, Hubby had to attend for meeting at work soon after. MIL came over to accompany me at TMC.

Around 11:30 am, started to feel mild pain, was very happy to get the kick, as the 'magical tablet' comes with magical price too! Didn't wanna let it go to waste...

12:00 pm, Lunch at Sizzler TPY. Hubby rushed back from work to join us. Though pain still bearable, wasn't really having appetite to eat. Just wanted to return to the clinic ASAP to be checked on my progress...

2:00 pm, back to the clinic and waited for my turn to be checked. Apparently there were 2 other Dr Tan's patients induced on the same day too.

2:30 pm, VE done by Dr Tan. Was 2 cm dilated and happy like mad. Hiaks! That means the tablet worked on me, and I could deliver before midnite (estimated by Dr Tan). Asked if I was comfortable to be admitted right away or wanna take my time to walk around until I couldn't bear the pain. Of course I chose the latter. The waiting at the observation room and had to be strapped for this and that scans turned me off...

"So, where should we go?", asked hubby
I said there's one thing I'd really love to have right now..
"I wanna try KOI bubble tea, I've been hearing the raves among the forum members on how good it was.. blah blah blah.. I saw it at TPY as we walked past just now!"

3:00 - 3:30 pm Off we went to TPY again. Bearing the pain, walking like a tortoise, "I must get my hands on that hazelnut bubble tea before I deliver!!!" As expected, the beverage didn't turn me down... It was heavenly good and sweet (I tried the 50% sweet) Also walked around in the vicinity for a lil while..

3:40 - 4:00 pm Returned to TMC, and was walking around in the lobby, hoping I could dilate more before getting admitted.

4:05 pm Officially admitted.

4:30 - 5:20 pm The usual procedure took event in the observation room. Was moved to Labour ward before Dr Tan came to check.

5:35 pm Was kinda disappointed when Dr Tan came to check and I was only 3.5cm dilated! What?? So the walking was just a myth? Dr Tan did some 'stretching' and broke my water bag before he left home. That was really painful! He asked the nurse to update him again at 9pm! I was like.... NINE PEE EMMM??

5:50 - 6:00 pm Suddenly I felt all the pain came rushing in. Hubby was fast to react and quickly went for his dinner.

6:15 pm When hubby came back to the labour ward, I was already high on my laughing gas. I truly enjoyed the relief of the gas. My best friend at ward!!!

6:20 - 7:00 pm The rest was history... Overall this round was a much much more painful experience. But it was purely magical. I didn't know how I pulled it through.. Along the way, I even screamed that I didn't wanna give birth anymore.. The pain was very intense, and I had to wait for my gynae to rush back to the hospital to deliver Bosco. Neither did he expect it to be so fast. Perhaps shorter labour equals to more intense pain?

And finally, to deliver a 3.91 kg baby naturally, without epidural, was truly priceless! On top of that, Dr Tan added remarks that there wasn't any cut, only small tear.. It indeed made my recovery faster. I was already walking around to check on Bosco at 12am in his nursery!

This delivery experience wouldn't be as perfect if hubby wasn't there by me. He claimed he helped in pulling my legs to aid delivery leh!! We now enjoy being the proud parents again. And over the time, I'll hear the hubby ask, "Hey, since you're so experienced, we should plan for the 3rd one!"

Back Home With Bosco

Thanks all for the well-wishes. I delivered Bosco 'smooth and fast' on 18 Aug 2009. Now I'm back home with the lil milk monster. Am currently still adjusting this new life. On the other hand has to cope with jealous Chloe!

Will blog about my birth story soon. Meanwhile, I have uploaded some photos on Facebook. Catch ya all later!

Sweet Treat From The Sweet One

Hubby sneaked out with some lame reason after dinner to get me this!


He's as sweet as this chocolate banana cake now.... :)

As for Chloe, she suddenly requested to be carried and fed like a 'baby' for her milk before sleep.. *awww*

37 Weeks and 6 Days: Getting Induced!!

Today check up showed up high protein level again in the urine swab. After 3 consecutive similar check ups like this, Dr Tan suggested to be induced soon! He's afraid that this pregnancy will be more complicated shall baby stays longer inside.

Since Bosco is already 3.3 kg, and from my usual comments 'to quickly get it over with'.. Hubby quickly added on, "Sure. Why not TOMORROW??"

So, tomorrow 9am I'd be at ACJ Clinic again, getting ready to be inserted tablet to trigger the contractions.

This is it! We are hoping to see Bosco tomorrow!

Pray for a SMOOTH and FAST delivery :)

37 Weeks: All Prepped Up

Bosco is weighing at 3.1 kg at 37 weeks. Everything's well. We're all ready and excited!

Gynae asked us to talk to him often and ask him to come out soon. I also asked Chloe do the same thing - ask her to ask didi when he wants to come out.

Then Chloe made the hand signal 'one' and 'five'.

So I said, "The 15th ah?"
She said, "Yes!"

Well, let's look forward to the arrival of didi :)

Little note for myself:
I gained 1.2 kg for the last 11 days. A total weight gain of 13.5 kg as of now (37 weeks).
"I'm getting there.. I'm getting there..."

36 Weeks: Pass My GD Test!

This is the best news I received for the week. The clinic just called to inform that I passed my GD test. It was a false alarm. I must have eaten too much sugary stuff the night before check up.

And the swab test was fine too. Everything is normal.

*beaming*

Now, gotta finalize my hospital bag, the necessities for Bosco. Have to return to work to do a proper handover soon... And, prepare myself fullest to the delivery day!

35 Weeks and 3 Days: Sugar Rush! :X

Brought forward my appointment to this morning. Another bad wait at ACJ today, I think we spent good 2 hours there. I have to think there are more and more pregnant ladies going for private clinic these days, or particularly Dr Adrian Tan is good :P

Bosco continues to gain around 300g per week! He is weighing almost 3kg now, compared to some 11 days back. I gained another 1 kg. A total weight gain of 12 kg as of now (35 weeks).

Baby's head is still nicely down, though not engaged yet. No signs of delivery yet. Dr Tan mentioned that Bosco is going to be born bigger than Chloe. I hope I could have another fast and smooth delivery this time!!

Did the swab test today, and also took another blood test! -_- Apparently I have been indulging myself too much on my milo that I didn't pass my urine test. There's deep guilt in me, I thought I have everything well-controlled so far. Gggrr.... Hopefully the GD test turned out negative. It is only a mere 5-week-journey away...

Praying hard...

35 Weeks: Spending Time With Chloe

Utilizing my leftover ECCL (Enhanced Child Care Leave) before I start my ML!


If you wonder that little bruise on Chloe's right cheek,
that's a result of her own mischief act.
tsk, tsk, tsk... heartpain!

33 Weeks: On The Rise

Today's visit to Dr Tan showed that Bosco gained 600 g for the past 2 weeks. He is now weighing around 2.4-2.5 kg. Wow! Dr Tan had to ask me, "What did you eat for the past 2 weeks?"

Nope. Haven't touched durian for over a month. I was eating (almost) as usual lah.. hoho. I did drink a lot of hot milo and maternity milk though. And I'm hooked to nutella spread for my daily breakfast spread. Hm....

My weight gain was also the biggest this round. 1.4 kg gained in 2 weeks. Total weight gain at 33 weeks is around 11 kg.

Dr Tan commented if baby continues to grow in this pace, he would easily weigh 3.5 kg if delivered at 38 weeks. Chloe was born 3.46 kg at week 38 too!

Had him advise me on when's best to start maternity leave. He suggested to start taking 2 weeks before EDD. I'm now looking around 17th or 18th Aug. Will confirm this later.

So, what else are on the rise?

Stretch marks made their first appearance last week. And now they're looking like some kind of treasure map on my tummy.

Feet starts to swell too that I had major cramps attack last night. I thought I had trick to get them under controlled (by stretching the feet). But I was wrong... Thankfully could easily wake hubby up from his piggy deep sleep :P

Inch on the waist, legs, arms, basically all over my body.

The temperature!! I would bathe up to 5 times a day during the weekend.

My temperament. Well.. kind of.. :P

Counting down the days.... Will see Dr Tan again in another 2 weeks' time!

Birth Preparation: Cool Headed

Both hubby and I had our hair shaved cut last Saturday.

I'm getting prepared for the hot hot confinement days to come.

And him?

He needs to stay cool to take my post-natal nonsense hehehe..

32 Weeks: Sleepless Nights

Not sure if Chloe senses her 'lil brother is coming, or it is only a passing phase, Chloe has been waking up every night since last week. She's been sleeping through the nights since 2 months ago, but now the habit kicks back again.

Few weeks ago, we have created a cosy corner next to our bed for her. She loves her new 'bed' with lots of pillows as the wall protectors. She loves sleeping there although sometimes I offered her to sleep with me on my bed (to be able to put her to sleep without having to squatting up and down). She loves having her milk there before going to bed, she loves having afternoon nap there too.

But things started to change last week. She would wake up (sometimes crying sometimes not), walking to me and waking me up. "Mama, neh neh!" there she asked for milk. After I made the milk, I said, "Ok, go to your bed and get prepped up (read: put hankie on)"

Who knows she would climb to my bed and lie on my pillow with her winning smile... and she would be fast asleep after her midnight feed, hugging on to my bolster. We tried going back to sleep, squeezing on the bed, but it didn't work.

Poor papa had given in to sleep on her cosy corner, allowing space for me and Chloe. But I just couldn't go back to sleep... Not at least struggling for 2 hours. Midway, I would feel hungry, woke up to have a cup of warm milk, like what I'm doing now. I hope coming online would make my eyes sleepy hence sleeping better later!

I really hope things will improve soon...

31 Weeks: Piggy-Me-Not!

Had my monthly check up this morning at ACJ. The wait was slightly better today as compared to last month.

Bosco is growing well. He's indeed picking up on his baby fat! :) He's now weighing around 1.8 kg. Slighty on the bigger side, "but not huge, don't worry!" as assured by Dr Tan. And his head is down too.

What about his Mummy? hee.. I'm only gaining 1.1 kg for the past month. *Wow wee*... So happy to learn about this controlled weight gain. Total weight gain at 31 weeks should be around 10 kg.

From now on, I need to see Dr Tan every 2 weeks.

Less than 2 months, baby!!

31 Weeks: OK, I Lost Count

I told everyone I'm in my 32 weeks whereby I'm only stepping into my 31st.

My baby brain is at its peak. I keep on forgetting stuffs.

My toothache is much controlled now as I visited the dentist again last Sat. Took 5 fillings and 1 temporary dressing to ease the pain.. And I'm short of $350 in my pocket -___- All in all, spent almost $700 for dental care during this pregnancy. *ouch*

I think I'm putting a lot of weight these few weeks. Shall see about it this Friday.

There is a list of things-to-do and buy in my head before baby's arrival. And I really wish to go out fulfill them all. No thanks to H1N1, I'm home-confined earlier than the real confinement actually start! Grrr....

Let's pray for the situation to get better soon!

Birth Preparation: Cord Blood Banking

After some thoughts, hubby and I decided to sign up with Cordlife for our Bosco, because siblings match is only 50 - 75%. So this afternoon the representative came to my office to pass me the collection kit.

It felt just like yesterday when I received the kit 2 years ago. And now I'm feeling kinda panicky to think that it's getting nearer and neared to delivery. I don't know why I'm so nervous this time. Must work out my confidence seriously!

So, I received my collection kit in a kate-spade-lookalike-bag!
Not that I mind though, it's in sweet pink :)


Urged for more freebies from them as a return client! hehe


And the real thing... *panic*

ps. Do let me know if you're interested in signing up with Cordlife too!
I can be your referral and you could save some bucks! ;)

30 Weeks: F.A.T.

I wanna start the countdown soon! Can't imagine how much bigger I'd ballooned up in another 2 months' time. Colleagues keep asking that same old question, "When are you going on leave?" And giving the same old remarks, "Huh? 2 more months?? But you look like full term liao..." -__-

29 Weeks: Vulnerable

I have to accept that the last trimester is the most difficult in this pregnancy journey. It seems like my body, mind and soul are each fighting some physical or emotional attacks.

Apart from the aching lower tummy, back and legs, the swelling gum and problematic teeth have taken parts too! I get hungry often, and each time I eat, I get toothache. Worse, the toothache is leading to some kind of headache. Food enjoyment for 20 minutes, toothache for at least an hour. What an irony!

Mood swings or not, I'm ultra sensitive these days. Facing the stress at work, I do feel incompetence at times. I want to be heard, be treated better and be loved.

Ahh.. so much rantings early in the morning!

And I still have about 2.5 months to go...

28 Weeks: B for Bosco

Went for my monthly check up yesterday with hubby. It was the longest wait so far! We waited for 2 hours before I was called in to see Dr Tan. Imagine if we were to go during weekend~~ phew..

Finally signed up SBI (Subsequent Born Incentive) membership yesterday and got some freebies (Oh, how I love freebies!). Also took the compulsary blood test in the clinic while waiting.

Glad to see our boy is growing well. His weight is around 1.2 kg. Forgot to ask about his length though. That's the thing when it comes to no. 2. You tend to slack and not really bothered by so much details. As long as baby is growing well... In a way, it's so much relaxing pregnancy for me! :)

Can see his baby fat on his cheek during the scan. He looks like hubby from the scan!! At least that's what me and Dr Tan felt hehe. His growth chart shows slightly above the medium range, I think he's starting to pick up our 'big size' traits :)

As for me, I gained 1.9kg from last month. Total weight gain so far should be around 9kg. Considered good for big eater like me! :)

Less than 3 months to see our boy, Bosco! :)

27 Weeks

I'm hungry all the time and never seem to be full!!

'nuff said!

Must prepare myself for the next check up to find out the weight gain...

And baby is so much active compared to Chloe's kick in my womb.

Maybe that's the difference between boy and girl.

He never stops!

But I'm loving it :)

24 Weeks

Went for my gynae check up 2 days back. And was so happy to see our boy growing well :) Everything is well, baby is at his medium size, cheeks look more chubbier now and boy he's kicking a lot!

Was even happier to know I only put on a mere 1.8kg over the past month, on the contrary to my tummy that has expanded a lot! In total, I have gained 7kg. Looking well-controlled hehe

4 more months to go! 加油!