A Baby is a Miracle

Jaundice

2008-09-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Latest Update [22/09/08 10:30am] : This morning blood test @ KKIA show the jaundice level have dropped from 11.4 to 6.9.

Jaundice, also known as icterus (attributive adjective: "icteric"), is yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae (whites of the eyes) and mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia (increased levels of bilirubin in the blood). This hyperbilirubinemia subsequently causes increased levels of bilirubin in the extracellular fluids. Typically, the concentration of bilirubin in the plasma must exceed 1.5 mg/dL, three times the usual value of approximately 0.5mg/dL, for the coloration to be easily visible. Jaundice comes from the French word jaune, meaning yellow.

Today is 7th day Grissom born to this earth. On passed few days, Grissom become jaundiced and we are worry about it. According to statistic, It is quite common and 90% of new born babies will become jaundiced two or three days after birth.

We have tried 3 methods to cure it. The most common method is let the baby naked under early morning sun (preferbly 8am-10am) and close the eyes with cloth. After 1st 15 minutes, bring baby into house and give baby some drinks then continue for another 15 minutes.

Second method is traditional way where as using chinese herbal which call "Wei Kee" in hokkien. Boiled with water and use it for bath.

Another method is read from newspaper article by my MIL, she also heard it from someone who have tried on their children and it's work. So we get the contact and go to Goat Milk factory buy few bottles (RM 13 ea). They have provide the delivery service with additional charge RM1 for each bottle. We went direct to their factory to collect because they only delivery on Monday and Wednesday.

According to the goat milk seller, baby need to take goat milk continuously for 2 days and do not take mother's breastmilk. This is because usually during confinement month, all the food's ingredient which eat by mother have wine and ginger. That can cause the level of jaundice increase.

There is another method which is using Green Grape, they say also quite effective. Each day baby only need to take 2 green grape and squeeze out the juice before give to baby drink/eat.

From day2day our observation, Grissom's jaundice getting better. Hope tomorrow blood test at KKIA will show the drop of Jaundice level.

Grissom is HERE in TOWN

2008-09-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Surprise?

Sorry...is not the Grissom from CSI LAS Vegas....kakaka
Is my baby's name.....He "arrived" at 942am(15th Sept) with 2.96kgs weight
I am so excited and feel wanna to cry...kaka....just feel it really unbelievable and is a MIRACLE....
from last time 11pm till now...I only manage to sleep for about 1.5hrs....very tired...but when saw my little baby boy...I am so happy and worth it
Here is his first photo@KUCHING LOL

Checkup@Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak (KKIA)

2008-08-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

On our first visit to KKIA@Sekama for the checkup, we arrived at about 7.45am. We thought we are the early bird as the clinic is open at 8am. I told my wife "wow....we are the earliest one."
(For first time visitor, please visit on monday which is for first time visitor registration)

Front View

After 3 minutes we waiting at the gate, both of us have same thought as why nobody other visitors and nurse come. And then my wife asked me "Is this the main entrance?". Then we decided go to back have a look. Alamak, the main entrance at the back. =.="

(I think they should put the signboard for first time visitor at front gate)

Main Entrance is at the back

Operation Hours

After we went in the gate, we stand at the first door and ask each others "Is this the correct door to enter the clinic?" then we go further, we saw a lot of pregnant women is line up at the 3^rd entrance door, so we just follow.

All mum will line up at here and
wait for the nurse to open the door

The nurse open the door at around 735am, so we kuai kuai line up to take number and take a seat wait for our turn go back to the counter. The number we took is 42, we think that "Si liaw la...no. 42...dunno need wait till what time".

After enter the clinic main door,
straight away go to reception counter to take a number

Counter

At the counter there, there is a "electronic queue number board" which will start operate when the nurse ready to start. We have wait about 30mins for our turn, the nurse will give a small red book for first time visitor and put into a small transparent plastic beg with a new number to queue. The nurse will let you know which room to go first.

Several door for different purpose

Room 4-6 have this boxes next to their door, you can just put in your plastic bag which given by the nurse at counter into the blue box(8 Pagi) and wait for your turn. There is a electronic queue number at top of each door and wait for your turn.

Doctor room which is for ultrasound.
Not every time you will be asked to go to doctor room.
Usually only for first time visit and last 2 months b4 delivery.

There are several checkup/test need to be done at each door. My wife took about 3 hours for the checkup. She have to check urine, body, blood tes and ultrasound scanning. You might curious why the checkup take so long? This is because every visit to each room you will need to take a new number, sit down and wait again. You will see all mum are busy in and out from one room to another. Every room is for different purpose. This first checkup at KKIA is really an unforgettable experience for us

不经一事，不长一智。After the first time experienced, the following checkup we will arrive before 7.30am. This is how we can successfully get the number within 10. My wife best record is first one at her previous checkup and she very proud of it...hehehe….she is expert already.

Below are some of others pics that I took at KKIA

Panoramic view of clinic

Operation Hours

Notice for parents :
Report At Sekama Clinic
With Your Baby One Day
After Discharge From Hospital

A list of items need to be bring
during the first visit of baby to the clinic

Yes, it is TV. Nothing special, right?

Yeah, you are right.
But it is mean a lot for husband who accompany wife for the checkup
because this is the only entertain for all dad while waiting for their wife *LOL*

Breastfeeding & the Equipments

2008-08-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

These are the feeding bottles I bought. As I am getting ready to breast feed my baby. As i know, breast milk is the best for baby. It is not easy keep breastfeed for my baby as after 2 months maternity, I will back to work. To overcome this, I have bought Avent breast pump, so that I will be able to continue "produce" milk.

How to keep it fresh?
I have redeem a cooler bag and bought dry ice pack to keep the milk fresh because my office don't have any fridge. I think I probably need to pump at toilet by hanging the sign of “milk in process” on the door hahaha….I hope I can keep the milk fresh for my baby...kekeke

Below is a video clip from YouTube about Breastfeeding Tips:

Unique Handmade Gifts from GrandParents

2008-08-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

These is the traditional type of baby belly band that made by my mum from those leftover cloth. It is use to protect baby’s bellybutton and to keep baby’s tummy warm in order to avoid ‘masuk angin’. During the hot weather, baby will just wearing this belly band without clothes. And the little buttock is totally exposed…

Another special gift from my mum for her grandchild is the traditional hand made quilt. She said this kind of quilt can protect baby from ‘dirty’ thing. Maybe the quilt is too colorful that can make the ‘dirty’ thing feel ‘mata juling’ hahaha. This is a masterpiece of my mum, so everyone in my family actually has one or more hehehe.....

My parent bought baby's rattan bed from China Street’s old shop. This is a 2 in 1 bed, which can be used as baby bed, and also to "keep" baby inside.

This is a rattan made mat which made by baby great-grand mother (already passed away), and my mother in law has sewn on some decoration at the side with "Winnie the Pooh" cloth

[32 Weeks] Baby Positioning

2008-08-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Now is my pregnancy at 32^th week…still have another one and a half months to go. From the scan of ultrasound, it showed that my baby still at horizontal position. The gynae has informed us that the latest by 37^th week baby head must descended well into the pelvis (Asynclitism is a medical word that describes a head-first position).

(1) Most Common Position Ideally for labor, the baby presents head-down, facing the mother's back, with its chin tucked to its chest and the back of the head ready to enter the pelvis.	(2) Occiput or Cephalic Posterior Sometimes the baby is presenting head down as it should be, but it is facing the mother's abdomen. This increases the chance of painful "back labor" and prolonged delivery.
(3) Frank Breech In a frank breech, the baby's buttocks lead the way into the birth canal. The hips are flexed, the knees extended. This increases the chance of forming an umbilical cord loop that could precede the head through the cervix and cause injury to the baby if it is delivered vaginally.	(4) Complete Breech This baby presents with the buttocks first; both the hips and the knees are flexed. Like other breech presentations, this increases the risk of forming an umbilical cord loop that could precede the head through the cervix and cause injury to the baby if it is delivered vaginally.
(5) Transverse Lie The baby lies crosswise in the uterus, making it likely that the shoulder will enter the pelvis first. Most such babies are delivered by cesarean.	(6) Footling Breech Sometimes, one or both of the baby's feet are pointed down toward the birth canal. This increases the chances of the umbilical cord slithering down into the mouth of the womb, cutting off blood supply to the baby.

If baby is at the breech position whereas refers to feet- or buttocks-first presentation. This is a real thinking obstetrician's dilemma, because the largest part of the baby is the head. So delivery of the feet or buttocks creates a scenario wherein larger and larger parts of the baby have yet to prove the ability to clear the pelvis. In other words, if the head won't fit out in a head-first baby, delivery can be affected via second-choice C-section.

Some exercises to help your baby/infant turn to correct position as shown below:-

If the baby settles (engages) into the pelvis it will be difficult for the baby to turn. This exercise, done 3 times each day for 15 minutes discourages the baby from settling into the pelvis.

Lie on your back, with your bottom away from the wall. Place the feet high on the wall, and using it for support, lift your hips high. Have pillows or a firmly rolled towel ready to slip behind your back for support. Your hips need to be higher than your shoulders.
An alternative is to adopt a "knee-chest" position, with your bottom high in the air and your head and chest on the floor.

[Tips] Drive comfortably

2008-07-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Everyday I need to drive to work myself. But my tummy is getting bigger and bigger, I feel uncomfortable which cause by tight safety belt (though I heard pregnant women do have exception that they allow driving without safety belt). For me, I am concern the safety of my baby and myself so I still tightening safety belt every time I drive. Picture below shown a technique I feel more comfortable when tighten safe belt:

Yes, that is my baby pillow….forgive me baby, mummy used it first :P

Getting pregnant is a miracle

2008-07-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is my first baby. I was pregnant after 2 years wedding as our planned. The pregnancy started after my missed period for about 3 weeks. So I decided to do urine test at home. I still clearly remember I woke up about 5 a.m. to do my urine test (Hahaha…too nervous until can’t sleep the whole night, so wake up so early to do the testing). The result show positive, my husband and I were ecstatic because we have succeeded after the hard work hahaha. Few days after, we went for internal ultrasound to confirm again. Shown as below:

I’ve very poor appetite for the first 4 months during pregnancy due to morning sickness. Everyday my stomach is full of ‘wind’, especially dinner. Therefore, I did not gain much weight. The most terrible morning sickness I’ve ever came across is what ever I ate or drink, immediately vomited. At that moment, I started to cry because I fell it is quite hard.
At around 5 months into the pregnancy, my morning sickness nightmare has gone, thanks god.

Now, I am 7 months pregnancy. I can felt my baby movement quite frequent, kicking, and turning here & there. I was finally going to have a baby after all. 7 months..........8 months.............I was counting down until I could cuddle with my newborn as most mothers dwell on the further along you get in your pregnancy. This is a miracle pregnancy.......stay tuned for our miracle birth story.

This is my tummy now, just like a big watermelon. According to gynae, baby is 816g, which is within the normal weight range.

Parenting

2008-07-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

What is parenting?
Parenting is the process of raising and educating a child from birth, or before, until adulthood.

Is the responsibility as short as above quoted?
For all parents, how much do you know about parenting? For me, parenting is kinda like whole life "insurance" which you have the responsibility to insure your child/children for everything.
Parenting is a uncountable knowledge where as you need to learn from daily experience with your kids. This kind of knowledge won't come to 'find' you and you need to have the 'heart' to pick up yourself.

My mother-in-law is a housewife cum babysitter. Currently she is taking care of a kid(Cameron) which about 2 yrs old. Two days ago, she told me that Cameron was sent to Normah Hospital...a bit shock,right? As a result of he resist to take any medicine, He is getting worse and sent in to hospital . Luckily, nothing serious and take some injections and will be hospitalize for 3 days. He should be able to go home by today. :)

Is this cause by parents careless or irresponsible?

[nEw LiFe] 28 Weeks

2008-07-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Now is 28th Week a.k.a Third Trimester.

Third Trimester
Final weight gain takes place, and the fetus begins to move regularly. The woman's navel will sometimes become convex, "popping" out, due to her expanding abdomen. This period of her pregnancy can be uncomfortable, causing symptoms like weak bladder control and back-ache. Movement of the fetus becomes stronger and more frequent and via improved brain, eye, and muscle function the fetus is prepared for ex utero viability. The woman can feel the fetus "rolling" and it may cause pain or discomfort when it is near the woman's ribs and spine.

It is during this time that a baby born prematurely may survive. The use of modern medical intensive care technology has greatly increased the probability of premature babies surviving, and has pushed back the boundary of viability to much earlier dates than would be possible without assistance. In spite of these developments, premature birth remains a major threat to the fetus, and may result in ill-health in later life, even if the baby survives.

Typically after 28th week, Mother will need to see doctor once every 2 weeks.
So after next checkup (09/07/08), we also need to visit 2 times every 2 weeks cos my wife having checkup at 2 places.
Starting from 10th week, we have started go to 2 places to do check up which are Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak(KKIA) and Kuching Specialist. (I am a bit kiasu person LOL)

Milk fund raising campaign

2008-06-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

May be you have notice that I have added new items on the right side of this blog.
Yesterday I have just put up 2 ads from google adsense and advertler.
It use to do some raising compaign for my baby's milk powder
I need your favor. When ever you visit my blog, a simple click on any of the advertisement from google adsense and advertler.
Million of Thanks

Portrait of the Month (June '08)

2008-06-21T00:52:00.001-07:00

My pretty wife and the handsome boy

(of course is me lah)

Tummy too small? hehehe

She is waiting for me positioning the camera for next shot

1st kiss for my son
(I was force to take this shot *whistle*)

This photo was taken on the last x 2 saturday nite.
We're just back from my friend's (Ivy) son 1 yr old Birthday.
My wife say feel wanna to take pretty pregnant portrait (you know la....pregnant women like to look pretty :P)
So we took it at our "personal" studio.

1st Pregnant Portrait

2008-06-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

This photo taken on 16 weeks 4 days

This is my first time taking pregnant portrait and of course the "main actor and actress" are my wife's tummy and my 16 weeks 4 days son :P

I will post more pregnant portrait photo soon.....just took it recently.....still HOT~~

[nEw LiFe] 26 Weeks

2008-06-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Baby's 1st time taking "scanned" photo
[6 weeks]

All organs start to be "full build"
[10 weeks 4 days]

Guess what the pointer pointing at?
hope HE won't shy shy
[25weeks 4 days]

Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

2008-06-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

The following lists provide a few suggestions to help you prepare for your baby's arrival at home. Since your hospital stay will be brief, your transition home may be made easier if you have prepared for well in advance of your baby's birth.

Preparing For Your Baby
Expectations and Birth Options
Other Preparation Recommendations

Preparing For Your Baby
Prepare a place in your home for the baby
Prepare a sleeping area and a place for clothes and supplies.

Purchase essential nursery equipment
There are several ways to save money on baby items. Many items can be purchased second hand or through discount stores. Some items may be purchased by the case, such as disposable diapers. Suggestions for essential nursery equipment are:

Federally approved car seat
Crib or basinet/cradle (slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart.)
Bottles (ounce) and nipples
Brush for cleaning bottles
Large tote or diaper bag packed with:
- Several diapers
- Receiving blanket
- Change of clothes
- Plastic bag for soiled diapers
- Washcloth or baby wipe
Diaper pail for cloth diapers
Plastic lined garbage pail for disposable diapers
Nursing Bras (2 cotton)
Changing table or place to change diapers

Purchase a crib
If purchasing a used crib, make sure it meets current safety standards. You can find a listing of these standards at www.nsc.org/library/facts/cribtips.htm.

Purchase and learn how to use a federally approved car seat
California State law requires car seats to be federally approved. Your baby must always be placed in the car seat, beginning with the ride home from the hospital. The safest placement of the car seat is the middle of the rear seat, facing backwards. Some car seats may require the use of a special locking clip on the seat belt. Never place your baby in the front seat of your car, especially if your car has passenger-side airbags. Ask if you are unsure or visit the California Highway Patrol Web site www.chp.ca.gov/ for more information.If purchasing a used car seat make sure it meets current safety standards by checking the date on the seat. Most car seats will have an expiration date on the tag, telling you not to use that seat after a certain date.

Low cost car seat programs are available in each county in California. Check with your healthcare provider for further information.

Select a physician to be your baby's doctor.

Attend a newborn care class
It will be helpful to attend a newborn care class if you have not had recent experience caring for newborns.

Attend a breastfeeding class
Attend a breastfeeding class if you will be nursing your baby.

Check on cloth diaper service
If you are planning to use cloth diapers from a diaper service, check to see if they will deliver on a 24-hour notice, or before your due date.

Prepare a basic layette of essential clothing and equipment for the baby.

CATEGORY					QUANTITY
DIAPERS
Disposable					350 disposable first month
					(1 dozen cloth diapers for burping and general use)
Cloth - if washing own or diaper service					90 for first week
Diaper wraps or plastic pants					6-10
Diaper pins or "snappies"					4 sets
CLOTHING
T-shirts					5-10
Booties/socks					3-5 pairs
Hat					1-2
Sleepers or gowns					5-7
Cold weather sleeper					1
BEDDING
Thermal blankets					1-2
Lightweight, receiving blankets					5-7
Crib sheets (fitted preferred)					3-4
MISCELLANEOUS
Soft washclothes					3-5
Burp cloths					1 dozen (cloth diapers work well)
Digital Thermometer					Useful for taking either axillary (armpit) or rectal temperature
Baby scissors or clippers
Baby brush and comb
Mild soap
Hooded baby towels (optional

Wash baby clothes before using
Be sure and wash all baby clothes, bedding, towels and washcloths in baby detergent before using.

Expectations and Birth Options
Pregnancy is a time of heightened awareness. You become aware of the changes in your body, in your way of thinking, and in your priorities. You must also become aware of the choices that may help you to determine how you feel about your birth experience, your baby, and yourselves as parents. One important choice is the provider who will manage your childbirth experience. Some women choose a physician while others want a certified nurse midwife. The important thing is that you feel your physician or midwife is a good fit with your personality and philosophy about childbirth.

You also have the responsibility to learn and question as much as possible about labor and delivery through classes, your physician or midwife, and research in order to make informed choices concerning your birth experience.

Sample Questions for Your Physician or Midwife

The following are examples of commonly asked questions you may want to raise with your physician or midwife:

Once I think I am in labor:

When do I call?
Who do I call?
Where do I call?
If you are not available for my delivery, what are the names of the other physicians/midwives in your call group? Will I have a chance to meet them at a prenatal appointment, or only when I am at the hospital?
What will happen if I go to the hospital thinking I am in labor and it turns out to be a "false alarm?"

Once I am admitted:

After the initial routine fetal monitoring, will I have to be continually monitored, or can I be monitored intermittently?
If I choose to have medication but do not want an epidural, what available medications do you recommend?

What is your opinion about:

Activities or positions during labor such as walking, showering, bathing, rocking or lying on my side?
Artificial rupture of membranes?
The use of Pitocin?
Positions for pushing and delivery including alternative birth positions like squatting?
Length of pushing stage?
Episiotomies, perineal massage, or hot compress?
The use of a vacuum or forceps for delivery?

Other Preparation Recommendations

Practice relaxation, positioning, and breathing techniques often. Read about breathing techniques
Pack your bags for your hospital stay by the start of your ninth month. List of items you may consider having available in the hospital
Consider covering your mattress with a plastic sheet or shower curtain a few weeks before your due date in case your water breaks. You may also want to keep a few towels and a couple of sanitary pads in the car.
Take a hospital tour.
If you plan to use a tub in labor, check with the hospital on their policy regarding tubs. Make arrangements to rent a tub if the facility allows them and does not have one available.
At one of your last appointments, ask your physician or midwife whom you should call, and when you should call them if your physician or midwife is not available when you go into labor.
Keep plenty of gas in the car. Know the route to the hospital and approximately how long it will take to travel under varying traffic conditions. Consider making a trial run and make note of where to park.
If a car is not available, arrange ahead of time for alternative transportation. Keep telephone numbers of taxis and other resource people readily available.
Consider renting a beeper if your partner is hard to reach. Many hospitals rent beepers on a weekly basis. Check to see if this type of rental program is available to you.
Let friends know you prefer to have them visit after you are home from the hospital. Reserve your hospital time for you and your partner to learn about and get acquainted with your baby. If you have a telephone answering machine or voice mail service, record a message that you will call back as soon as you are able. For infant security, we recommend that you not mention the newborn baby in your recorded message.

Miscellaneous Suggestions

Try to avoid moving households near the end of your pregnancy. Too many changes in your life at this time can add extra stress to your adaptation to parenthood.
Arrange for household help if possible. Outside help allows you more time to enjoy the new baby! Let someone else do the cleaning and laundry. If you have willing relatives or friends, be clear with them that you need help with the chores while you care for the baby.
Review your health insurance policy to be knowledgeable of any recent changes. Make note of the length of covered hospital stay, visiting nurse services, and well-baby coverage.
Store as many staple items as space allows.
Freeze meals, clearly label their contents and include directions for heating.
Consider writing out two weeks of menus and have the ingredients on hand.
Start a file of restaurants with take-out menus and delivery services.
Stock up on convenience items such as paper plates and napkins. Consider locating services such as grocery or drug stores that will deliver.
Purchase a supply of sanitary pads (tampons are not recommended for use until your period resumes later).
Select birth announcements. You may want to address and stamp the envelopes ahead of time and fill in the blanks after the baby arrives.
Plan ahead for birthdays and anniversaries. Since shopping is often a challenge the first few weeks after giving birth, purchasing gifts, giftwrap and cards ahead of time can be very helpful.