Motherhood Expo @ KLCC Convention Centre

Hubby and I visited the Motherhood Expo held at KLCC Convention Centre last Saturday.
It was very crowded.  The expo hall was filled with expecting mothers, parents pushing their babies in strollers, and also running kids. Honestly, the environment was not very conducive for pregnant ladies, we have to truly pay attention to avoid many hidden obstacles while trying to walk in the hall. Not to mention, the super long queue at the toilets.

Anyway, we finally booked the baby cot for our baby boy.  It was the same cot that we have planned to buy from a baby shop called One Stop Baby Centre, situated in Uptown, Damansara (same row as AmBank and CIMB).  The shop participated in this expo and the same cot was having a good promotion. The package came with a cot, a coconut fibre mattress and a 6-piece-bedding set, all in for RM650 (inclusive of free delivery and fixing).  We did not hesitate long before purchasing the set as the original price in the shop was RM799 and the delivery charges was another addition of RM80. An arrangement has also been made to deliver the cot in the mid of April, nearer to my expected delivery date.



Model: TW-C25B(GR) (Japan Export Model)

Features :
•Three level adjustable base
•Non toxic finish
•Easy to assemble
•C/w small door at bottom for storage purpose
•Swivel castor with brakes

I also managed to grab 3 other products at very good prices, Bio-Oil 125ml (at RM47), Sunsweet Prune Juice (2 bottles for RM15, originally 1 for RM11.50) and Ghee Hiang Sesame Oil (2 big bottles for only RM30, used for cooking Chinese confinement food).





Constipation is a common problem faced by many pregnant ladies. I was lucky to discover that there were 3 types of food that can help me combat this difficulty, since the very beginning of my pregnancy. They are pitted prune, prune juice and dragon fruit.  

Since entering the 3rd trimester, I couldn't afford to walk long due to my swelling ankles and feet. So, we did not stay long before heading home.  There will be another parenthood expo in Mid Valley from 9 to 11 March 2012. We will probably make a visit to buy baby carrier and stroller, that is if my feet allows!

Week-30 Maternity Check-up

15 Feb 2012 (Wed)

An appointment was made at 1:30pm to see Dr. Paul. But my husband and I waited until 2:20pm before we went into the doctor's room. Year 2012, the year of dragon baby craze, waiting time of 50 minutes should be considered 'reasonable', I guess.

My blood pressure (70/110), urine glucose and protein level appeared to be normal.  However, the doctor is a bit concerned about my weight gain. I put on another 4kg since the last time I saw him, which was about 4 weeks ago. In total I have gained 14kg since my pregnancy.  I honestly told the doctor I didn't eat for 2 and I do not have any cravings for special food. In fact, I ate the same amount of meal 3 times a day, the same as what I did before I got pregnant. The only difference now is that I have stopped going to the gym. I blamed the excessive weight gain on water retention because I noticed that my weight shot up since week 23, and that was about the same time I experienced feet and ankle swelling and suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The doctor listened to me patiently (even though I guess he has heard the same answer many times from all the over-weight pregnant ladies, hahahha.....) . Dr. Paul said some ladies will suddenly gain excessive weight at certain period of their pregnancy, but it will then slow down again later. He asked me not to worry too much since my blood pressure and glucose level appeared to be normal. However, he wanted me to try to cut down the amount of food intake and reduce the materna milk to only 1 glass a day (currently I am taking 2 glasses a day, one in the morning, one before I go to bed). So, we will see how it goes when I see him again after 2 weeks.

The baby weighed 1.7kg, a normal weight for a baby in week-30. Heart beat was recorded at 147/min. Despite punching and kicking me like a kickboxer many times a day, my boy appeared to be unusually quiet during the ultrasound session. Dr. Paul said the baby was asleep so soundly (can tell from his sleepy chubby face). The only movement recorded was when he opened and closed his mouth occasionally. Aiyo, I did talk to him that morning, telling him that today we will visit uncle Doctor and he has to move his hands and legs during the 'photography' session, just to show papa and mummy he is a healthy active baby. But, obviously my effort was in vain as he was craving for his sleep so much during the cloudy afternoon.

The baby is sleeping. I know only the baby's own parents will be delighted when looking
at this kind of 'alien photo'. But this is part of our journey, please allow me. Thanks:)

The good news was my baby had turned down, with his head facing the birth canal.  Please baby, maintain this position for another 60 more days, so mummy can have a safe natural birth where both of us would not suffer too much. Also, money saved from natural birth will go to your education and toy fund! Be a co-operative good baby!

For the next 2 weeks, I will make an effort to eat only healthy food at a reasonable portion. I will also be more diligent in practising the prenatal exercise taught in the *antenatal classes. And the funny part now is everytime I thought of having some dessert like ice-cream or cakes, Dr. Paul's face will automatically appear in my mind. I told my husband about this and he couldn't stop laughing.
So far, my pregnancy is a smooth one, except for the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is getting from bad to worse. Both my right and left palms and the fingers are constantly feeling numb, stiff and painful.  It took me ages to type this post.  But I have nothing to complain, I will endure this gracefully, just for my angel.

Expenses:

• Consutation           RM 50.00
• Ultrasound            RM 50.00
• Obimin (1 month)  RM 12.60
• Admin Fees          RM    4.00

         TOTAL                RM117.00

* My husband and I attended the antenatal programme conducted by Pantai Hospital. The programme runs every month, and there are 5 classes in total, covering topics from breastfeeding, nutrition in motherhood, labour process, pain relief during labour, care for new borns, prenatal exercise and labour suite tour.  The fees for the programme is RM300 per couple.

Bought my first breast pump

After some online survey and seeking opinions from experienced breast feeding mums, I decided to buy the first breast pump in my life, the Medela Swing.

I travelled all the way from Damansara to Setapak, just to enjoy the good bargain from One Baby World, a baby product specialty store. I found this store on the Internet and realized that they are giving away a lot of useful freebies when you purchase the breast pumps.

Bought this set at RM799

Got these items FOC:
1 Autumnz Cooler Bag
3 packs of Autumnz Reusable Ice Pack
8 bottles of Autumnz PP Milk Storage Bottles
1 pc of Autumnz Comfort Nursing Bra
1 unit of BPA Free Deluxe Bottle Drying Rack worth
1 unit of Receiving blanket
4 pcs Washable Breastpad

Other than Medela, the shop also carries a few other brands of breast pumps. For further details on other promotion, find out more from One Baby World's website. 

During my visit to the store, Janet was the friendly sales person (most probably also the owner), that offered me great advice on what products to buy and what is not necessary to buy. As a first time mother, I personally like the service, because they provide impartial guidance on what you really need rather than encourage you to buy everything, just to increase their sales transaction. Most importantly, they do not intend to sell you the most expensive brands. Thus, you can save money by buying compatible brands that suit your budget.

AddBought a set of steam steriliser and bottle & food warmer.

Also purchased some additional pairs of nursing bras and breastmilk storage bottles.

I spent about 2 hours in the shop and swiped away my annual local holiday budget :).  Hopefully,  all these items will bring me a certain degree of convenience when I return to work after my maternity leave.