Antenatal Lesson 6: baby care

We can finally have our Friday nights back.
I took the opportunity to submit my pre-admission form at the concierge as well.
Yesterday was the final lesson at Mount A.
Vegetarian beehoon was served during break.

We learnt how to change diaper/clothes, shower, clean, hold the baby, and simple massage techniques to ease a colicky baby. To learn the full techniques, you have to sign up for "real lessons" at the Parentcraft centre. They give one free session during your hospital stay but if you can't make it then you can always come back another day.

Just 5 weeks to go!

Baby World Fair 2016 & Antenatal Lesson 5: breastfeeding

Well, i didn't make it for the Mothercare sales because i decided the discount wouldn't be worth the queuing time. Plus, many mummies were complaining about it. Lack of restock, lack of organisation, 4 hours queue time and then another 1 hour queue to pay etc.

So we headed for expo today and much to my surprise, they cleared the goodie bags queue within 15mins. Everything was organised and timely, the way most of us would appreciate. Thumbs up organisers!

In the goodie bag, there were Mustela baby samples, Medela cream, Huggies diaper, javalocks, Dr Brown milk bottle, a full pack of korean wet wipes and some other knick-knacks. Super happy with those (:

I got Nuk detergent/refill because i am so in love with the scent, more detergent and bottle cleansers from K-mom, Cloversoft organic wet wipes 6 packs for $18, a cool-me towel $5, Annee Matthew nursing bras 2 for $39.90, Moo Moo Kow swim diaper $10, bamboo wash cloths 12 for $35 and Mustela firming gel $35 in preparation for postpartum recovery.

The important stuffs like breast pump, steriliser, newborn diapers, cot, stroller were purchased last October during Mummy's Market.
Video link to my huge haul here.

Also, i got Freshly Picked baby moccasins and H&M baby socks this week simply because i have to! Its too cute!!

How can anyone resist those :b

Having said that, i am really really thankful Marcus have not once questioned my purchases and he willingly paid for everything. Everything meaning baby stuffs, shopping, gynae visits and delivery/hospital fees etc. Never once did he pressurised me to return to the finance industry but he always gently encourage me to take Oat To Joy further. Even when i can't do deliveries, meet customers or replenish my baking supplies, he does it on my behalf, on top of his own work.

His money is hard-earned and we have survived well beyond a single family income the last 1.5 years. I married a responsible man who loves God. What else do I lack? Nothing. My heart is full. Help me to love this man more (:

I am thankful for His provision in this season of surrendering and just committing everything we care to Him. He hears, He answers in His own perfect timing, according to His will.

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I am currently in week 33, i don't see any signs of water retention. Praise the Lord!
If anything, i am seeing more veins on my hands and feet.
Pregnancy has been smooth sailing so far. I don't have to worry about GD or being anaemic.
Started packing my hospital bag, making space for baby cot in my room.
Just been nesting a lot.

Today during antenatal class, we learnt about breastfeeding.
Position, posture, persevere.
Informative i must say. Gonna invest in some cabbage for standby.

Next Friday will be our final lesson; baby care.

Alvernia Ladies Card & Antenatal Lesson 4: labor

Finally got round to collecting my Mount Alvernia Ladies Card.
Its free for SG50 parents so i kinda "missed" the deal and paid $64 for the membership.
For benefits and privileges, click here.
Valid for 2 years, I think its worth it.

The photo shows some freebies given when you sign up.
Bolsters have "I am an Alvernia baby" printed on it.
Too cute (:

33 weeks bump shot.

Buttercup hiccups an avg of 5 times a day.

Its normal for her to get "squirmish" in my belly when Sky barks or when there are commotion outside my bedroom.

We caught Ip Man 3 last night, and i was trying to cover my belly because she was "kufung-fighting" the entire show.

Same old refreshments for the past 3 lessons.
Getting sick of it.
Yesterday, the staff shared on what to expect during labour and what we should do/bring.
Of course we didn't get to go home without watching a graphic birth video haha
They make it look all too easy.
Push and baby slides out. Really?

It was delivery ward and room tour after that.
St Michael's Room 272 was available so we popped in for a quick visit.
Its small, white and new as compared to their other single suites.
I'd be lucky to get a room in the St Michael's ward.

Last 2 lessons and my trips to Mount A will be over till buttercup is ready to meet us (:

week 30

Last Friday's 3rd antenatal childbirth class at Mount A.
We learn various ways to cope with labor discomfort; breathing techniques and what to expect.
It was helpful!
Wing was attentive, esp when she noted i didn't want to sit on the mat during class, she pulled me/us a nice cushion chair to sit throughout.

Week 29 bump, i haven't felt or seen an growth spurt for some time.
Buttercup have been excessively active these weeks (:

Currently 47.8kg and she is approximately 1.1kg.
"There is no weight target to hit, just eat well", says the gynae.
Healthy babies come in many different weights and sizes.
Dr Poon mentioned her head is slightly small, which will make pushing easier.

We did a salt swab test today as well.
No glucose test for GD as they monitor it through our urine test during every checkup.
Feeling a lot of movement and "bubbles" down under, her frequent hiccups is feeling super low.
We have decided on single suite at Mount A for privacy and rest during the nights.

Today's breakdown:

Group B swab $40
iron pills $10.50
delivery deposit $300

You look so cute buttercup, Mummy and Daddy can't wait to see how/who you will look like!

Went to Toyogo warehouse factory outlet last weekend to get a temporary chest of (lousy plastic) 5 drawers to store all of buttercup's clothes, laundry, sheets, wipes, diapers and shower essentials.
Why did i say its lousy plastic? When i opened the packaging at home, i found cracks everywhere. Its too much of a hassle to bring it back to Kallang in our family car. So we are keeping it until we shift to our new 5 room flat next year. Lousy $65 spent, meh!

I'm guessing the frequent burping I'm experiencing and/or "nauseous" feeling is actually heartburn.
Can't eat much these days either, but always craving bread and potatoes of any sort.
No visible water retention or leg cramps these few weeks, thank God for His goodness.

Prayer list:

1. quick dilation of cervix, supernatural stretching of the birth canal so i can avoid episiotomy
2. quick and active labor
3. natural, drug-free if i can take contraction discomforts
4. no breech delivery and emergency c-sect
5. for my water bag to break on its own and buttercup not to be in any form of stress during the birthing process
6. name for buttercup
7. no birth complications, birth defects, allergies of any sort
8. good birth weight for buttercup and also that she can regulate her own temperature
9. no jaundice
10. good support from family for hospital-to-home transition
11. quick recovery, no postnatal blues and no excessive blood loss
12. pain free delivery (yes its possible to pray for a supernatural delivery experience! Read the book by Jackie Mize)

Our God is not the author of pain (:

Was gifted a Mothercare playmat (Butterfly fields) for tummy time.
I'm thinking of using it as a changing mat at home too.
The bunny is sooooo soft, maybe i can pluck it off and hang on the cot instead haha!
Thank you girlfriends, love it!!

Found time to get gelish done at The Nail Artistry (yes, it is pregnancy safe) and also meet the girlfriends over a meal at Relish.
Burger-craving satisfied for the week.

Taobao loots for buttercup arrived. Will share them next week once i got them sorted out.

week 29

2nd antenatal class at mount A; we learnt a couple of massaging techniques and also positions that are good for sitting/standing/sleeping.

Extremely helpful for the growing belly which is increasing in weight.

3rd lesson this Friday!

My lil sis got some stuff for buttercup from Primark and The Little White company.
Can't wait to dress her up next year.

12 weeks to go!
I feel that time has passed so quickly, and yet so slow all at the same time.
So far, pregnancy symptoms are probably slight nausea and tiredness.
I try not to walk or sit too long as my tailbone gets achy after a while.
My belly button has popped but yet it doesn't look popped.
Buttercup has been super active since week 18, I'm so thankful for every rolls and kicks (:

Was looking through my list for Baby World 2016.
Gotta buy these on Jan 15th:

Cotton balls
Bath sponge
Nuk detergent
Sanitary pads? Will the regular period ones work?