Post-partum Hair Loss

Recently I have noticed that I have a drastic increase in hair loss. And it's scary and distressing to find myself pulling out a large clump of hair after every hair washing or collecting tumbleweeds of hair on my bed or the floor, at times on my shirt. It makes wonder if I'm going to be bald.

And the one day when I looked in the mirror, I have even noticed that there is a my fringe is thinning. Eeek. Will I be bald? I couldn't help myself wondering every time I comb or wash my hair. Btw, I don't remember having this when I had Natalie, or at least not to scary and obvious.

Hopefully no, as I went and googled for some answers. I found that hair loss is not uncommon after pregnancy. It is because the hormonal change in our body.

Did you ever notice that your hair rarely shed during pregnancy? I did. My hair rarely shed. In fact it became thicker. Well, this because our estrogen level increases during pregnancy and this "...causes our hair to remain in the growing phase and stimulates the growth of your hair."(taken from americanpregnancy.org) It means that we tend to be thicker and fuller head of hair during pregnancy.

This is one thing I actually love about pregnancy. So that I don't need to pick up shed hair.

And thank God this hair dropping period is not permanent. Normally it will only last for 6 to 12 months before hair loss returns to normal.

Well, I hope this hair loss phenomenon will end soon as I'm so sick seeing shed hair everywhere and picking them up. Meanwhile resume my one a day dose of vitamin B complex and eat more fruit and veges to ensure I get enough of "...flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth."(taken from americanpregnancy.org)

For more ways to reduce hair loss after pregnancy, can refer to Pregnancy and Hair Loss (americanpregnancy.org)

A Blessed Natural Birth After Caeserean Journey 03

A Blessed Natural Birth After Caeserean Journey 01
A Blessed Natural Birth After Caeserean Journey 02

I was admitted at 1pm on Saturday afternoon, 10 Nov 2007.

Actually on that day, we had a little episode on our way to the hospital. We were caught in this massive traffic jam from NKVE toll all the way to Kerinchi toll. Well the whole pJ was badly congested on that day. Only God knows what went wrong. I was so worried that Max would come out before we reached the hospital...

Thank God, he was well-behaved till the next morning...

Before that I had only mild contraction. I could still happily enjoyed my McChicken Deluxe Combo while watching tv.

The real pain only kicked in after 12am.

At 4am, the contraction became more regular and intense. I told the nurse the pain was getting unbearable.

"Did it feel like shitting?" One of the nurse asked me.
"Yeah."I replied. So she checked for dilation, and it was already 6cm.
"Good. Most likely baby will come another 4 hours..."she told me.
4 hours? I thought. 4 hours was a long time though the pain only come at the end of every contraction.

The nurse did ask me if I wanted the epidural. But I was firm with my intial decision, NO epidural, as I was worried about my caeserean wound.

But later they gave me some painkiller jab and the laughing, after that I was in a half-sleep mode, drifting in and out of sleep. It was painful but I somehow managed to get on with it.

Well, it wasn't that painful actually as there was a break between each contraction.

Comparing my previous experience, caeserean, this was a much pleasant experience.

As it was getting closer and closer to the final stage, the nurse were getting ready for the birth, setting up.

Ding Dong Ding Dong, 10cm, time to call the doctor. But before that, the nurse had a hard time trying to break my water bag... Hahaha...

Then the doctor came in.

The most difficult part, push the baby out. It felt a massive constipation and having a hard time to poo...

After a few pushes, the doctor decided to use the vacuum. One suction and Max was out. What a GREAT relief.

In my heart I was saying, "Thank you, God." And I was very grateful and proud.

The journey of a first time mommy - First night...

Rewind back to 21 months so ago, the first day Natalie was brought home. It was a Labour Monday, May 1st 2006.

That night was a disaster to us..

First few days in hospital, everything was just fine and smooth, as there were nurses for SOS. When Natalie cried, needed to be changed, fed, I could just press the red button. Someone would come and bring ther back to the nursery.

However, the night that we were back home, things were different and ugly. Reality kicked in. We have to face everything ourselves, problem. For first time parents, we were lost when Natalie started to cry non-stop for no reason, even after feeding her and diaper changed. Two clueless exhausted parents and a crying infant in a small room tussled till 3, 4 am in the next morning.

We were stoned yet frustrated. I wanted to cry as I didn't know what to do to sooth Natalie to sleep.

DH couldn't stand the crying and he just walked of the room... I forgot how I managed to get Natalie to bed later.

But the very next night and thereafter, I was left all alone with Natalie every night, while everyone in the house was in deep sleep, including hubby.

For the first few weeks I had Natalie fell asleep on my breast, while I leaned agaisnt the piled up pillows to keep myself in a sitting position. Often I dozed myself before I knew it... those were the lonely nights.

Then I resolved to watching tv while feeding Natalie or soothing her to sleep, so that I could stay awake.

Emotionally and physically I was exhausted and stressed out. Also because of the hormone changes, I cried alot, especially when I failed to breastfeed her.

Sometimes when I really needed a break, I got my in-laws to take care of Natalie. Often I made sure Nat was asleep and had her last feed, when I handed her over to them. So my MIl only need to feed her once, at 5 or 6 am, that's the time she gets up. Sometimes twice, the earlier feed at 2am.

By fourth or fifth months I took care of Natalie full time at night, as she began to sleep longer hours, until the night before I gave birth to Max.

The ultimate reward of this first experience is Natalie and I are very close though she rather not to call me mommy until today. I'm still her No.1 favourite...

In the case if I'm not around, she prefers her grandparents to her daddy. Tes, the last person she seeks is my DH... haha... he couldn't handle her except when he has got food with him. Natalie is a "wai sik mao"(loves food).

Though I didn't manage to breastfeed her properly, I'm still very proud of myself and Natalie of what we had been through all those nights

However, things became a little different when Max was brought home from the hospital and that was another story.

Post-natal Rhinitis

Few weeks ago, I visited the E&T, and it seemed everything was fine till yesterday.

All those nose irritations and frequent sneezing are back. And I'm having a bad sore throat.

Last year after I had delivered Natalie I had this too. It took a long time to recover, a few months. I couldn't remember how long, but it has become part of my daily routine, until one day it just disappeared. But not for long, as shortly I was pregnant with Max. Everyday, other than taking care of Natalie, I was sneezing and nose blowing. And feeling tired and sleepy all the time even after I was back to work on after 60 days maternity leave.

Yesterday I went to see doc, but the medicine doesn't seem to be working. Gosh! This is horrible. The nose simply doesn't dry up, and the bloody mucus keep back dripping down my throat. All these back drippings irritates the lung, accumulate there and become phlegm. As a result, bad coughing and sleepless nights. Been there few years ago.

It seems this rhinits will stick to me forever whenever I get pregnant.

Well, I thought I want to have another baby but looks like I may want to think again.

A Blessed Natural Birth After Caeserean Journey 02

Since then every week I visited my gynae.

By 5 weeks(gestational) or 7 weeks (if counting from the first day of my last period, first week of Fed 2007), my sickness morning was surfaced but still bearable.

Our little embryo Max was still about a week smaller than its actual size and heartbeat was weak. And I had spotting and I was given some medication, which I was relunctant to take, and a weekly hormone injection, for 4 weeks, to boost my pregnancy hormone.

Later it was found that the spotting was due to uterus infection. More medications, antibiotics. Meanwhile with the hormone boost, Max's heartbeat was getting stronger.

However the worse has yet to come. Morning sickness became me and had to resort to anti-vomitting tablets.

Also I was getting bad nasal blocked. Sleepless nights and sleepy days. And more medicines.

This second pregnancy was like a riding rollercoaster, another spotting at week 16, which turned to be a false alarm. It was some kind hormone adjustment after I stopped my hormone pills. Then fear of baby Max having some birth defects and so on.

I have to say during that time, I couldn't myself whining and complaining about all those discomforts. But looking back I'm grateful that everything turned out alright, with a healthy baby in return.

So when most initial doubts were finally cleared, new worries; can I have a natural birth since I had a caeserean? It clouded my mind till the morning I was in labour, as my gynae also couldn't guarantee. Many times I asked her. But she didn't really answer my questions, even at my last follow-up. I knew that she didn't want to overpromise me.

I understand that all these pregnancy and childbirth issues are at will of God and blessing. No one knows what can happen. So the whole time I was praying. Hoping for an easy natural birth. I didn't want to go through another caeserean. As I fear most in caeserean is the pain when a urine bag was attached to my bladder and pulled out. Gosh! That short but sharp pain with possible bladder infection. I still can remember it clearly.

When the day finally came, that Saturday, when I had bloody show, I was having this fear inside me. I was wondering if I couldn't have a natural birth. I was praying for my water bag not to break before major dilation.

My gynae had warned me that I couldn't opt for epidural, due to my caeserean wound. She said most gynae prefer not to have that as if the wound give way, the mother would feel it.

While I was in labour ward waiting for the first stage labour to happen, I was praying and talking to Max, telling him to relax and take things easy. Just take one step at a time. He heard me I guess.

The contraction was there all the while but it was mild and I couldn't recogise it. Now I know what is contraction. I didn't really have it when I had Natalie.

Since my water bag was in tact, my gynae allowed me to wait for the real thing to happen... to be continue.

A Blessed Natural Birth After Caeserean Journey 01

I've been pray that one day I can write about this, to share with mommies who has ONE caeserean and would like to have a varginal birth in their next pregnancy.

Both my pregnancy were planned long before I even conceived with Natalie.

But after I delivered Natalie via caeserean, my gynae warned me that I shouldn't conceive within the first 6 months to avoid complications. I was worried that my initial plan of conceiving again when Natalie reached one would be ruined due to my caeserean wound.

So I followed my gynae's advice, took good care of my wound. When Natalie was 8 months old, I revisited my gynae to check if I could start trying again. Thank goodness she gave me the green light to go ahead. It was early January 2007. She said that we could start trying end of Jan or early Feb. And I'll be allowed to try for natural birth as the previous complications was because of fetal distress prior to my due date.

I was really excited and started to prepare for it, I mean eating right. I took the steam "Gao Li Shen"(高丽参) water, which is normally used by ladies who had miscarriage, to rejuvenate the womb for conception.

It was CNY, I thought I had missed my ovulation. But I thought just give it a try, hoping we could catch the last boat. However, little did I know that my ovulation was late that month due to my anxiety.

So happened the next day I fell sick due to food poisoning and I was given antibiotic, but I told my GP that I was trying to conceive, so she gave something safe.

Then a week or two later, I got on the wrong bed, and had a stiff. It was so painful, so I went to see a "sensai"(*TCMD). He gave acupuncture and some Chinese medicine which contain Red Flower(红花). In the old days, the Chinese use it for abortion.

I took the pills one day. Then I stopped with the feeling that I might have conceived, though I did five tests but all negative.

On 20 March 2007, my period still missing in action. With a mixed of hesitation and anticipation I repeated the test, as I still have this pregnant feeling. Finally I saw this very very faint second pink line. Quickly I took the test to my gynae. And she confirmed it with an internal ultrasound but she said that the 3 weeks old embryo Max was smaller than it should. It's either the conception was late or the pregnancy might be an unhealthy one. And she asked me to come back the following week...(to be continue)

Counting down to the day, an update on baby and me

Like I said earlier, it could be 13, 18 or even 19 this month. I'm not sure which is the actual EDD anymore. But never mind, as long as the baby comes. I don't want to think too much about it. Too much anticipation makes me sick of guessing. Like a Cantonese saying, 煮到嚟，就食！(Go with the flow.)

Last gynae visit
Everything is fine, baby is roughly weighed about 3kg now, 20% variation, plus or minus. Should it be bigger, I'm not sure it can come naturally. He's healthy, I'm glad.

The gynae said anytime due... very subjective estimation. Hopefully not this weekend, the gynae is away. Gosh! And the best part most of the doctors in that hospital are on leave. DOH! I hate giving birth in the weekend, especially a long festive weekend. The last time, I had Natalie, inexperienced, the lactation consultant was away. DOH! Charges were higher too. Lucky my gynae was around. But not this time. Pray, pray, pray.

During the visit,we talked about my birth possibility. Again she told it will depend on my condition. Sigh... The highlight of the visit... *drum rolling*, she said that most likely NO epidural if natural birth. O.O;; Because they worry should the scar gives way, I can feel it. If they use epidural, lower body numbed, and if the scar give way, it will be life-threatening. Well, I've checked online, if possible NO medication is recommended. Though the chance of uterine rupture is very very slim - 1%, or one in 10,000. What if I'm that ONE. It freaked me out.

That whole day, Wednesday, I was feeling so down and blue. And I had a big woo woo cry and I slept through the day after I came back from the clinic.

Don't worry I'm fine now. I can eat well, like a sow. Sleeping well except some minor aching here and there. And I'm not thinking about it anymore, strangely. It's out of my mind. Just going with the flow and praying hard. Yes I'm.

My gynae asked to go for a CT scan on Monday if the baby still not coming. I seriously don't know the outcome. Induce(I thought no induction) or wait some more? I don't know. But seriously I hope not another C-sec, if I have a choice.

The "Anytime" signs...
1. Some saw my ballooned up feet and said, "...you're can be due anytime..."
2. Since Wednesday, I'd been feeling more period cramps on my lower back and lower abdomen.
3. More Braxton Hicks, especially whenever try to get up from sleeping position.
4. Feeling the weight on my hips.
5. Very frequent toilet visits, and my bladder simply can't wait.
6. My tummy feels very tight and the surface looks very shiny, I wonder, can it grow and stretch anymore bigger.
7. Hormone changing, skin looks dry, the urge of washing my hair more often as it gets very itchy the next day. Oh, my pregnancy rhinitis seems to have gotten better, less runny nose.

Don't want to think too much
The reason I don't know to think too much because I don't want to stress baby, which will cause fetal distress. Let him decide when he's ready to come. No point thinking over and over when it's not happening... In a way I'm fed up.

Meanwhile I just want to do things I normally do, blog, sleep, eat, laugh, play with Natalie and I seriously feel like going to watch a movie... hee hee... Have anyone watch StarDust? And I can't wait for Golden Compass.

Stemcell for my baby.

Two week ago, I finally decided to sign up with the third company after meeting up their customer consultant and visiting their lab.

I met all the sales rep from all three stemcell companies. Actually before I called up the third company, I was hesitant if I should make that third call. But I did.

The reason I signed up with the third company because I like the way they present themselves and I believe I can trust my baby's stemcell with them though they'are quite new.

The moment I've decided to store baby's stemcell, since I missed it during my lasy pregnancy, my main concern is to look for a company which I can trust. I won't know if the the thrid company will truly be the one. Only time will tell. Somehow, I like how their customer consultant presented herself and the way she answered my questions. I don't know it's just an instinct.

Unlike the other sales rep from the other company. She kept emphasing that the fact this third company is new and offering their customers a lots of goodies to get sales. And when I told her my decision via sms, she asked me the same question, if I were attracted by the discount offer. I'm not. But I was too lazy to reply her sms, coz I don't think she would understand. Oh well, I guess she should do more research on the other companies' package before making assumptions and never underestimate your competitors.

Well, this thrid company did offer me some discount on their package, but it didn't make much of a difference.

Let's see... I chose to pay up RM5,500 diamond package. Why? Because it includes the RM2,500 collection and processing fee and 21 years storage fee(RM250 p.a). They do cord blood as well as maternal blood test before storing the stemcell, to make sure that the stemcell is not contaminated. However, if you want the 2 QC samples for viability test (for the 5th and the 10th year), you have to pay extra RM500. I bought that too. Then the insurance coverage for this package is better too. And it's dual location storage. So total is RM6000. While the other two companies, is offering similar package at RM5000. Is it cheaper? Though the thrid company did give me a discount of RM500, since I signed up before end of last month. I thouhgt I was going to give birth on the 28th last month. But I didn't.

You do the math. Is it cheaper or more expensive. Well, I'll say it didn't make much a difference. Like I said, my concern isn't the discount. I just want someone I can trust to store my baby stemcell for me.

Besides, only after I signed up, the customer consultant only told me that they are giving me a maternal bag and some vouchers as free gifts. She didn't use the free gifts to get me to sign up.

I have to say that even though this thrid company is a new company, their customer service is good. The next afternoon after I met with the customer consultant, her manager called me up personally. She asked me if anyone from her company has come to see me to follow up my case. When I said someone did. She was very happy.

I'm seriously not sure if I've chosen, thoough I felt that I had. Only time will tell.

Preggie mommies, if you're thinking of signing up for stemcell storing services for your newborn, make sure you meet up with all the companies' sales rep and visit their lab if possible, before making any decisions.

Red bean soup can help reducing water retention

I have been having water retention on my feet a month or two ago.

At first, it only happen at night after a long day of working. And in the morning after a good night of rest, it would disappear. However, for the last few days, I noticed my feet, from ankles downwards, have swollen, even after some lying down.


And I remember a friend told me that red bean soup can help in reducing water retention. It also recommended by some of the mommies in some forums.

In fact, last week I tried for two days, I did noticed the difference. But these few days I just got lazy, as I couldn't bear standing long while preparing it. It made my feet ache and my back. So I stopped taking. And see, this is how they look since this morning.

Guess tomorrow I'll have make some red bean soup.

Besides, I also found that reducing salt intake can help in minimizing water retention problem as sodium will retain excessive water in our body. That's why some people recommended not to add salt or MSG in our confinement food.

The actual EDD is 18/19 Nov??

This morning when I opened my eyes, I was like, "hmm... week 39 already, one more week to go."

I can't wait to give birth now, as my tummy and hips are expanding while my arms and face seems to be the same. One of favourite my maternity pants, can't fit anymore, which could still fit a week or two ago. And I know they will keep expanding till the day baby comes. Soon some of the shorts won't fit anymore.

I'm so anxious and I decided to work back way to check on my EDD.

Well, I'm very sure of my conception date which was either 25/26 Feb 2007. Many people ask me why am I so sure about it. Coz that was the only try we had for that month. So if I work from that date, the actual due date should be around 18/19 Novemeber, which is 2 weeks from now. It means another 2 weeks to go. OMG, how big will baby be then? And my tummy will just keep growing, and before my actual due date, I won't be able fit in most of clothes... feel like crying now.

As for original EDD, 13 November, it's based on the first day of my last period, which was 6 Feb. However, my ovulation was late, therefore the conception date was late too.

After all I'm only in my week 38 now, no wonder I haven't feel anything close to labour, except some Braxton Hicks.

Baby Lucas's here.

This afternoon finally visited my close friend, who just given birth to her first baby, baby Lucas on the very morning of 31 Oct It was a 21 hours long painful labour. Again congratulations to her adn her hubby. Great job.

I've to visit her before I, myself going into labour and confinement, which is soon.

Was very happy to hear that she was pregnant too, when I announced my pregnancy to her when I was about 9 week preggie. She was 10 week then. We've always been very close friends since secondary school. She was my "toilet buddies" in school...haha...

We were so close, at one point, we could communicate without talking, and we knew what each other was thinking. Oh, we used to get toothache together. Of course on and off we had argument.

She was the first one, other than my hubby and my family, to be there for me when my mom was in critical condition.

What a long and painful labour...
She had a painful delivery as her epidural jab turned out to be a failure. It numbed one side of her body and not the other side. Gosh! And the anesthetist apologized to her and the hospital waived her anesthetic charges.

But I guess it's worth because in end she and the baby were safe.

Baby Lucas was born a bit smaller, only 2.6kg, than expected but healthy and adorable.

Actually I took some pictures and video of the mother and her baby, somehow the stupid phone gave problem again, of all times. The pictures and video just disappeared like that, probably abducted by the alien again. CIS!

Anyway, I've learnt some confinement cooking tips from her MIL, who is very well-verse in healthy eating. Let me try them out first, then I'll post them here later. Another who is planning to conceive again, has promised to bring her notebook along for the recipes, when she visit Lucas's mooomy some time this week or next. LOL.

Well, 'm better off to research some more on healthy diet during confinement for moommies, before baby's arrival. He's kicking inside already ;0 Ouch!

Something funny about this pregnancy

I'm in my final two weeks before my EDD.

I notice something very funny with this pregnancy. Whenever I'm hungry or pigged out, the little one inside will always kicks inside. And the bigger he gets, the stronger are his kicks.

Another thing is all these while I haven't had any heartburn before. But for the past few days, I notice whenever I'm hungry or full, especially at the middle of the night, I have this chest pain feeling, and some reflux.

That's why I'm still blogging at this time of the night/morning, coz I just had my snack and decided that I shouldn't go to bed immediately, to prevent the reflux.

Do any of you pregnant mommies get this kind of funny feeling and reaction?

The bag is finally packed.

Finally I had my bag packed and ready for labour, though not exactly finished yet, still a couple of things I need to buy.

I have packed some clothes for myself and for a baby a set of brand new clothes for the day of discharge, a few pairs of mitten and booties and a little hat.

Can't recall exactly what I wore the last time I was there to deliver Natalie, except that they were all long sleeves. Hence, I just pack anything I think I'll need. All I remember is that I didn't bathe for days, only wiping.

Meanwhile some food as well, such as oat, Milo, cocoa powder, milk powder, condensed milk and so on.

Also I'm bringing a bag of salt, in case I deliver via natural birth. It's for the wound cleaning. I can vaguely remember they did provide me some chemical liquid for the wound cleaning too.

And not to forget some entertainment, like books and laptop... hee heee... so I wouldn't get bored. Frankly staying in hospital is one of the most boring things in life, unless you opt to stay in a double or single room, as they come with tv. Unfortunately I chose to stay in a four-bedded one. The only entertainment was the neighbours' visitors and my own.

For me one day no internet is enough to kill me. I feel like losing touch to the world. And if I end up having a c-sec, I will have to stay in the hospital for at least 3 days 2 nights, that's if everything is fine.

Luckily the last time I had Natalie with me, not as bad as the previous admission prior the Natalie's birth, when I was having mild hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. So I spent most of my time staring and adoring her, though she slept most of the time.

Hopefully everything turns out alright.

Oh well, the packing is making me nervous and excited.

Calcium intake during pregnancy

During pregnancy, I'd experienced twice very bad cramps on my feet during my final trimester. One of the times was when I was shopping in One U with my sis. We were walking and chatting happily and suddenly my feet cramped. It was so bad I couldn't continue walking. I had to find a place to sit down to rest my feet. We sat for about 20-25 minutes, only after that I could walk a little. And luckily I was with my sis.

As for this pregnancy, when I entered my second trimester, I had experienced some aching in my body and mild cramp in my feet. Since then my GP advise me to increase my calcium intake from 550mg daily to 1000mg together with my daily milk intake. My cramps and aches have since reduced.

My friend, who just gave birth to a baby boy two ago, was also taking the same amount of calcium. She took 2 tablets of 600mg calcium everyday. Some said the calcium supplement is the one with Vitamin D to help the calcium absorption.

There are studies show that pregnant women who supplement with calcium have a reduced chances of high blood pressure and preeclampsia. (taken from "iVillage's Calcium supplements during pregnancy")

But be sure you consult my doctor first before increasing your daily calcium intake. As excessive calcium has side effects like lack of appetite, interference with magnesium absorption and so on.

Other related articles:
- Why am I having leg cramps during pregnancy? (from babycenter.com)

Result of my blood test and iron supplement

Last week my gynae drew some blood from me to do a blood test(a.k.a Full Blood Count/FCB) for me. Yesterday it came back with a 12.9, showing there is enough haemoglobin in my blood. The reference range is betweeen 11.5-16.5.

*Pregnant haemoglobin level is:10.5 to 15.0 gm% (105 -150 g/L)
*Non-Pregnant haemoglobin level is:11.5 to 16.0 gm% (115 -160 g/L)
(The aboves are taken from www.birth.com.au)

Actually it dropped a little from 13.2, another blood test result I had in May this year, when I was 16 week pregnant.

I have low blood and been constantly on iron and folic acid supplement. But since I pregnant with baby I stopped but few months ago I had to start back in those supplements on alternate days basis as I was experiencing short blackout and dizziness when I stood up from a squatting or sitting position. And my condition has since improved.

One of the reasons why we need to maintain our haemoglobin count in our blood during pregnancy is to prevent weakness and low birth weight of the baby. Haemoglobin's function as a protein which carries oxygen to the various parts of our body. If the count is low, it means less intake of oxygen for both mother and baby and possible blood loss during birth.

Here's a good article for pregnant mommies or ladies with anaemic problem to refer.
"Iron and iron supplements"(from www.birth.com.au)

Frankly if my gynae didn't take my blood for the test I won't look into the matter at all.

Week 38 - Ceaserean Vs Natural Birth

Last night I was upset about why baby's come yet.

Today after hearing what my gynae said, it changed my perspective. Maybe baby's waiting for the right time too. Perhaps he knows that if he came out early would cause complication, that's why he's holding on to the right moment. I think he knows.

This morning my gynae has finally talked to me about my birth option. According to her, my previous c-section has increased my chance of a second c-section. While letting me try for natural birth, she has to monitor my condition to minimise the possibility of complication during labour.

Basically the outcome will pretty much depends on my condition then.

When I asked if it's more advisable to opt for a second c-sec, she said that she won't advise me to do that, though it's my choice. So I decided to wait till the last minute.

Of course my priority is my baby and my own safety, if at that time c-sec is the best option I will go for it without a second thought.

But one thing for sure NO induction or long hour labour, due to the possibility of uterine rupture during the process.

Also, after the follow-up, I've noticed the left side of my ligament feels a little sore. This morning when my gynae pressed on it, I felt o.k. Is it just a normal pulling or a sign of old wound problem? I'm not sure. But it sure worries me a little. It's probably why I'm still awake at this hour. (Just kidding, it's probably the latte I had this afternoon.)

Anyway, I'm submittig everything to God. I'll pray and let him decide what's best for us, so long baby and me are safe.

When baby 's coming? Anytime?

Yesterday a close friend has given birth to her first baby boy, baby Lucas. Congratulations to her and her hubby!

Baby Lucas is early almost a week, as his EDD was Nov 6, a week early than my baby. Does it mean baby will come next week or...

Everyone keeps telling me anytime. But I just don't see any sign of baby's coming.

Is it going to happen or will it be another C-section again? If my water breaks first before any contraction as my gynae will not allow me to have an induction.

In about 8 hours will be my next follow-up.

I'm really don't know why can't I have a sign, during the last pregnancy was no sign at all. I was caught off guard, 2 hours before Natalie was born, I had to make up my mind whether to deliver her natural birth with induction or c-section.

I'm really not sure about this one. Really have no faith in what's going happen coz I just don't have no control over it. I feel like taking forever. Am feeling really frustrated and anxious at times. Is it normal, or just me?

Was it a contraction?

Last night while I was watching one of the latest Hong Kong drama, suddenly I had this 5 second long pain from my tummy to my lower back, all the way down to my feet. I couldn't get up.

It was like having a really bad period cramp. But the discharge still looks very minimum. I guess my mucus plug is still intact.

Now that MIL is away, she flew down under last night.So I have to do the cooking, and I got really tired so easily. This morning after few hours of standing whilst preparing the veggies and meats, my back felt like breaking into two and my legs were so sore.

Walking up the stairs was like climbing Mt. KK. Baby felt so heavy now, comparing to 2 days ago. So I took out the weight. Tang! Tang! 75kg. Another 2kg extra. I don't think baby weighs more than 3.5kg, unless I'm carrying a monster baby. Where did all the weight come from? Can't wait till tomorrow's gynae appointment.

Btw, the third stem cell company rep has finally came over and did a presentation. Frankly, this one is the most impressive one. Their company vision, to have their own treatment centre in these region in near future, has made me want to sign up with them. It's their passion to advance and to serve their customers, that really impressed me. The rep answered many of my questions. I guess they're THE ONE, though I haven't signed up, as I'm want to visit their lab first, which is tomorrow, before rushing into it. Yes, I'm a prudent consumer. After all it's not like buying veggies in the pasar (wet market).

At week 37

Today's marks the beginning of my 37 week.

Time really flies. Baby and I are closer and closer towards the EDD. Baby's officially full term today as he has passed the week 36 mark. His lungs should be able to function properly if he is to come within this week. We have walked hand in hand for the past 9 months.

I can feel baby's growing bigger in the womb and he's running out of space. He always try to stretch his little knees against my tummy. So often that I get this sore spot on top of my tummy. And I can tell that he's anxious to come out so he can give himself a big stretch. Just like Natalie, this little one loves to stretch. Old people said that babies who love to stretch, will grow very fast. Also, this baby always gets agitated and annoyed when he gets long hiccups, and he'll start stamping his feet on my tummy. Who won't, I get annoyed too, :).

Coming early?
I've been having this feeling that baby will come early, as early as this weekend. Am I that desperate or is baby giving me signal? Hmmm... we shall see. And this Sunday's the day Natalie turning 18 months, or 1 and a half year old.

Apart from that I have some vague physical signs which I didn't have during Natalie's time. I can somehow feel my cervix has dilated slightly since last two weeks, with a short sharp pain every time I have Braxton Hicks. Mild period-cramp-like lower backache, discharge, more frequent urination and some people told me that my tummy looks lower now. I feel that too, the lightening. At one point of time, I was feeling the baby pushing on my stomach but for the past one two weeks or more I was beginning to feel abit relief on my stomach. And I've been having dreams of giving birth via natural birth. I just feel so ready. Gosh, I think I'm really desperate.

Can you feel yourself dialating?

Anyway, I have to settle everything within these few days, in case it's a real sign from baby, as if he's telling me, "Mommy, please get ready now. I'm coming this Sunday."

Naming game
So last night before bed, I decided to dig out my Chinese dictionary and check out some characters, which I'd long thought of using for baby's Chinese name. These are the few that I settled with, 幸哲，幸喆，展业, 宏业，鸣and so on. I particularly like this character, 喆. And NO, it's NOT because of David Tao, 陶喆. The reason I like the character is because it means wisdom and intelligence :). Instead of using ming（明）, which is also hubby's name, and it's commonly used.

Stem cell issue
Well, I need to arrange for this too. I believe it's worth coz it's a form of health insurance which money can't buy, even if one may have all the monetary coverage in the world. But the problem is which company I should go for, one that is reliable and ethical in their business management. Have yet to meet a rep from Company C, the newest company. Need to call them.

And I need to do more research on this... headache.

Follow-up
Last Thursday, when I went for my gynae check-up, I found that my weight has again jumped to 73kg, which means baby has put on 1.5kg in just one week. He's now weighed about 2.9 to 3 kg. Wow, heavier than Natalie's birth weight, which was only 2.8kg. After confirming with my gynae, neither me nor baby is overweight, just the right size. It's a good sign, as I was a bit worried about no weight gain like in last pregnancy. But judging from this, everything is fine so far, should baby come within this or next week, he will weight about 3.2 kg or slightly more.

This Thursday will be my next weekly check up. Can't wait to know how much weight baby has put on again.

Been a busy beee...

For the past 2,3 weeks I had been busy, both with work and personal life.

For work, I've been rushing to finish some work before going on my long leave starting next Wed onwards until the end of my 60 days maternity. So I only come back to work next Jan. Can't wait for that long leave, so I can spend more time with Natalie before baby's arrival, and I can spend more time on personal things like my blog.

For personal, I'm busy preparing for the baby's arrival, cleaning the baby cot, digging out Natalie's baby clothes which I think are suitable for baby, getting all the confinement herbals, vitamins, grocery, food and so on. I think my baby may come early, as early as in next two week. Meanwhile my MIL will be away for holiday from Tuesday, for 2 weeks.

Therefore I have to plan ahead, in case baby does come early as this Sunday and MIL's still away, like teaching hubby where and who to get fresh chicken, meat, veggie and gingers supply from, during confinement, how to bathe Natalie though MIL has taught the new maid to do so, but Natalie just doesn't like the new maid to bathe her or cleaning her poos, though she loves to play with the new maid. Strange huh?

It's like she is saying, "Hey, no one is allowed to touch my little backside, except my Mommy, Daddy or Granny." Oh well, I guess it's a privacy issue.

Apart from that, I've also been sorting some legal work for my dad, like applying Grand Probate for mom's will(has been delayed for some time), rewriting daddy's will (after consulted a lawyer friend, it's better to do it that way), arranging the renovation work for dad's house which happens to be nearby my in-law's place, just 2 to 5 min drive. I 've managed to convince him to move in, from his current place. It will be easier for me to take care of him. Generally, he is alright to take care of himself. But he is old and has a health problem. Somehow for the past one year, he just refused to move up till recently.

Hoping I can get the house renovation done before 2007 ends, so that my dad can move in before CNY. Then he can have a reunion dinner with us next CNY at my in-law's and spend more time with Natalie and the baby.

Sad to say, Natalie couldn't recognise him after more than 6 months not seeing him. My dad is old, and I want my kids to know him better, at least remember him. Well, as for myself, my late grandpa used to lived in Seremban, and I only got to see him once a year, while my maiden grandpa passed away a year after I was born. I have no memory of him at all.

O.k. back to me and my preparation, I have to plan ahead for all the hospital bills and confinement service payment and other expenses. Husband's a blur sotong(squid), I have to prepare a list for him to carry them out.

What happened during my last pregnancy was I had a post-partum amnesia. After delivery I somehow forgot about all ATM pins. I just couldn't remember any of them, even till now. And at that time I was in confinement and husband couldn't access to some of our funds. So this time, we have decided to bank in extra to the credit cards in advance, so he can settle whatever bills and expenses. And I can have a peaceful confinement :)

Now, the only thing that worries me is the quality of confinement lady, I'm praying for a good and helpful one. And of course a safe and smooth delivery and a healthy baby.