2 weeks Post Partum: Gynae checkup

Today marks 13 days post partum and my first gynae follow up.
Wound is healing well.
I weight 45.8kg as of today.

So thankful we have Dr Poon on this journey with us.
He has been nothing but wonderful, patient and professional (:

You see some spots and darkening of skin due to hormones during pregnancy and also from the usage of Bio oil.
My tummy is almost flattened from breastfeeding but not as toned as before.
I'm definitely not in a rush to get back in shape.

Baby's umbilical cord dropped off on Day 12.
Looking forward to giving her a good warm shower once its completely dried up.

I have requests to show whats in the Mount Alvernia Hospital goodie bag.
What came along with it was a special 55th anniversary Nestle pack too.
I don't have a clear photo but here are a few things they gave:

-changing mats
-nursing cover
-magazine
-vouchers
-Avent breast pads
-Komodo and JJB travel size shampoo etc
-the free bath tub as well (it cracked on the 2nd day after discharge as my mum went down to have it exchanged)

Thinking back, i really enjoyed my 3D2N stay at MAH.
Big and new room, a pity i didn't get to use the shower but my husband enjoyed his 1N stay too (:

Next post will share more on my breastfeeding journey and post natal depression.

Post Partum: The Labor & Delivery

As you all might have guessed, i popped last Saturday!
I'm juggling with baby and lack of rest so this entry will be a short and sweet one until i find the time to update.

If there're 2 things you need for post partum, its a nursing cover and a breast pump.
I'm using spectra S1 and currently producing 100ml of breastmilk, every 3 hourly.
Of course what i really need now is more milk for the LO and quality rest. Haha.

Timeline from labor to delivery:

3.43am leakage in the middle of the night during sleep.

6.00am waterbag burst.

7.25am admin Mount A.

8.08am doctor visited me to check dilation. He confirmed my water bag broke through ultrasound. Baby's head wasn't engaged at this point.

9.22am had hospital breakfast.

10.00am more gooey stuff coming out of my you-know-where. Doctor instructed nurse to start me on fleet enema.

10.30am 1cm dilated only.  So he started me on a drip Syntocinon to get contractions started. He said no need to insert pill for induction cause cervix is soft. I was having contractions as per CTG but i couldn't feel it. So this drip is suppose to give me the "oomph" and get things going.

12.32pm 2cm dilated, menses cramp feeling but it was manageable cause i had laughing gas.

2.50pm couldn't take the sudden pain and decided to get Pethidine injection at my buttock.

3.15pm 5cm dilated.

4.00pm started feeling the urge to push. But my pushes were not efficient, doctor asked if i wanted vacuum since i was getting tired. We opted for it.

4ishpm birth of my baby girl. All the discomfort in the world disappeared when i saw how beautifully made she was (:

Weight of baby was rather close to what my gynae told me on the last visit; 2.2kg.

In short, this is an assisted natural delivery with no epidural. Overall a quick and smooth labor.
Afterwhich Dr Poon sew me up and i played with my placenta to kill time (1 cough was all it took for Stage 3).
Very thankful for a good gynae throughout my 37 weeks of pregnancy.
PD Terence Tan was checking on baby and Marcus was taking photos for me.
Rested, got skin to skin and wheeled up to St Michael's Ward.

It was peak period, so we got the last single suite available.
It was the largest room!

First night, i sent my husband home to set up the cot.
Second (final night), he slept over with me.
Food was ok, nurses were nice but lactation consultation didn't benefit me at all.
I found it so hard to latch.
Service was quick, the moment i call for nurse, they appeared in my room.

We had as many as 18 visitors in the suite at one time.
Thats how roomy it was as compared to the other St Michael's ward rooms.
Baby blessing was done after we checked out of the hospital.

All the food i ate/ordered during my stay:

Day 3 morning (Monday) was a hectic one cause husband had to do a lot of admin stuff (run to pharmacy, get birth cert done at business office....)
So if you have a choice, avoid giving birth on Sat.
I had to wait till Monday (for office to open also) for lactation consultant to see me, and PD was with baby so i didn't get any hands-on lesson with her. Sucks.

So during the stay, baby suckles on my breasts but she is fed with 20-25ml of formula milk.

Transition from hospital to home was pretty alright.
Everyone is trying to adapt.
My dog went mad and jealous haha expected.
She sleeps well with the CocoonAbaby.

I'm still working on the latch.
Till then, i just have to keep pumping since i will be engorged.
On the 4th day, i decided to engage Alice for BF home visitation.
She helped us so much, truly God-sent!
"Money well spent" Marcus said.

Day 5 was polyclinic checkup.
Her jaundice level rose to 256 so we admitted her into KKH for photo.
She is back with us now after 24 hours.
Meanwhile, i pumped at home and bring to hospital for her.
KKH supplemented with formula too, which i am ok with.

She is back home today, she latches on (tricky for me and her but we are trying) and we cup-feed her if she is still hungry. This avoids nipple confusion.

My precious little one (:
Please feel free to add us on instagram @bunchoffluff and follow us on our new journey.

We are so blessed to have her, and she is blessed to have Marcus has her Daddy.
He has been incredibly calm, encouraging and supportive.
Thank God for answering all our prayers, to God be the glory!

Will update again after my checkup.
Cant wait to find out my weight hehe (Day 10 post partum weight update: 46kg).

week 19

No luck with finding out the gender.
This ultrasound shows the top view of buttercup, face up (you can make out where the eyes are), belly up and legs crossed.
We tried to get her to move so we can see the genitals but no luck.
So i guess, see you in 2-3 weeks time!

Praise the Lord, my placenta has moved up!
It was slightly low during my last visit so i was concerned.
God is good  (:

I have quite a bit of amniotic fluid, thats good news too.
Baby is growing well, strong heartbeat 158bpm.
I have also gained 1.6kg since the last visit, which brings my weight up to 44.1kg today.
Wow! Super impressive!! Not like i'm eating more, just the usuals.
It will be good if i can gain that much (steadily) for the next 5 months.
44.1kg is still underweight for my height. BMI not the healthy range yet, but i will get there!

Enjoying every bit of 2nd trimester.
In 2 weeks time, we will be doing our obstetric scan for fetal abnormalities at Mount Alvernia.
Cost $95 before GST.
Not sure what to expect but we are looking forward to seeing you again baby!

Watch my pregnancy blog #1 below; shared my ASOS maternity haul.
Stay tune for #2 where i will be sharing my baby fair purchases.

week 16: discussion of Oscar Results

Shortest wait for gynae today!
Was given a mask because I'm coughing and feeling congested.
Dr Poon walked in with a smile at 10.50am, our appt was at 10.30am with a patient before us.

He took my blood pressure (borderline) and asked how i was feeling, if i was eating well etc.
He went on mentioning that my weight is not increasing fast enough.
I'm standing at 42.5kg now, thats a 100g increase since my last appt 3 weeks ago.
Its not like i don't want to eat, i'm dying to! Appetite is not great and if I'm nauseated, i can forget about food for the rest of the day.
I'm still throwing up as of last week; is my morning sickness ever gonna get better?
His target for me is a gain of 500g by the next appt. WHAT?

Ultrasound scan revealed baby's in good health, all growing accordingly. He stopped giving us the length (head to rump) because as it starts to get more cramp, it will be harder to measure baby's length. He did take notes/length of the baby's limbs, neck, head, torso etc. And of course he let us listen to the precious heartbeat. I always smile when i hear buttercup's loud heartbeat.

This week, buttercup's hand is covering his/her genitals, so Dr Poon couldn't get an accurate reading of the gender. Not surprisingly, baby is sleeping face down, thus the awkward downward facing ultrasound photo below:

He did mention my placenta is a little low-lying but it should move up during the pregnancy.
We went on to discuss the Oscar test which we passed with flying colours.
Age risk is 1:725, and for the other Trisomy 13, it is about 1:<10000 nbsp="" p="">Bloodworks reflected good results for hep B, HIV, glucose and haemoglobin.
Praise the Lord for His hands upon our pregnancy and for this little miracle in my womb (: Just immensely grateful and thankful every single day.

Noticed my gums are bleeding these few weeks, and some bumps on both my arms.
And the hairy belly. Hormones are hard at work!

Because of the haze, I'm coughing and feeling congested.
Dr Poon prescribed Fluimucil, Dequalinium and Duro Tuss Forte for me.
Hopefully it clears up soon cause I'm so done coughing. Not only does it affect my sleep, my head becomes super heavy. And more medication??? No thanks.

This trip is costly because we signed up for the antenatal package $939.46:

package $800
medication $78

This is what Dr Poon King Fu offers in his clinic as of 2015:

So it will be 3 weeks interval per checkup till the 28th week, then it will be fortnightly. Then weekly.
Looking forward to seeing buttercup grow grow grow!

week 13: What to expect for OSCAR

Baby measures 7cm today, and i've "gained" 100g since last week, which brings my weight up to 42.4kg.
I'm still far from my regular weight but i think will get there surely.
Waited an hour to see Dr Poon today, which wasn't too bad cause he only stepped in at 11am.

Today is our routine blood test for HIV, blood type, FBC, Hep B etc
We have also decided to go ahead with the OSCAR test.
It is a first trimester option offered to all pregnant women as an earlier and more accurate method of screening for Trisomy 21. It must be done within 11-13 weeks, detection rate is 90% and 5% for a false positive. We have delayed our decision for many weeks before deciding to go ahead with it for:

1) peace of mind
2) just to check if there are any Down's Syndrome markers

By the way, i am in my late 20s. There is actually no cause for doing this test but since we can, we would like to do so. Just for the 1st child, perhaps haha.

Expect the doctor to draw out a small amount of maternal blood for testing, composition risk assessment score will be obtained within a week. No news from our clinic will be considered as good news. If we get a call, means bad news and more options will be discussed with Dr Poon during our 16th week checkup next month.

An ultrasound examination is then carried out on the fetus to diagnose any major defects, Nuchal Translucency scan and baby's length. Babies affected by Down's Syndrome have a thicker than average NT. Thankfully, buttercup's measurement is ok! That's 70% of the test. The remaining 20% will be reflected on the blood test results. We trust that God's in control and we have a perfect healthy baby in the making (:

A risk of 1 in 300 or more is generally considered to be high. If the risk of Down's Syndrome is 1:300 or greater, an invasive test is advised.
Well, we think that we can take on any challenges and will keep this pregnancy no matter what.
But we can never be fully prepared should baby be sick, thats something we want to clear now so as to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.

Then again, there is so much to worry about. Whether my placenta will form at the right place, if i am taking in too much sodium or sugar, if I'm eating well enough, if baby's head will turn down for delivery; worries and concerns are never-ending. What we can do now is really to enjoy the process, and pray always.

Today's charges $444+:

Blood test: $400
Urine test: $5

If you opt for the just the compulsory blood test that hospital requires, its a lot cheaper.
The above is price for OSCAR.
Other clinics have a package for OSCAR+FA scan, you may check with the staff.
For Dr Poon's clinic, they don't offer the bundle. So FA scan on the 20th week is additional $100+.
Antenatal package can be signed once your blood test is done, he charges around $800 excluding medication.

Hope the above information is helpful for those approaching 11-13 weeks.
The clinic didn't have any pamphlets and I didn't bother checking it up on the internet.
I went in with full bladder to get a clearer ultrasound photo but silly buttercup was comfortably tucked in one small area of my womb (same as last week) which wasn't near my bladder. So much space on my left side but buttercup prefers the right squishy side. I haven't had a nice photo ever since week 10 haha

Grow well and healthy buttercup, God is watching over you and He won't miss out on any organ development so you are in good hands even though Mummy is still suffering from morning sickness. We speak health, growth and development over you!

week 12

Hi guys!
I've endured 7 weeks of morning sickness!
Lost a bit of weight, standing at 42.3kg now.
But baby's heart is beating healthily at 168bpm (:
Still at a loss whether to go for Oscar/Harmony test.
But i have to do my compulsory blood test next week, freak out please.

Gagging continues, puking decreased, i try to avoid vomit triggers like durian, onion, garlic, fried food smell, hawker centre, coffee shop.
Recently, cannot stand the smell of my mother's chinese cooking.
I try to brush my teeth at lightning speed because i cannot tolerate the toothpaste taste either.

Diet wise, I'm still quite picky. I prefer food like sandwich, green apples or thick soups.
Sometimes i want to eat a certain food, but once its placed in front of me, i lose my appetite immediately. Basically i eat like a mouse now.
Hoping the morning sickness starts to ease this coming week so i can start enjoying pregnancy and indulge in all the food!

Dr Poon started me on Fish Oil supplement.
Why is it so expensive!! $45 a bottle of 30 capsules.........
I have to continue with my Folate, Iron and Calcium pills. That's still 4 pills in total.

My BP is always on the higher side, but after seeing the doctor, it normally drops to 114-134.
I guess thats anxiety and excitement all at the same time.
Waited 2 hours to see him today, so we took our time with consultation, bombing him with a list of questions. Had a horrible headache last night which kept me up, sleeping position is not comfortable (back/left side...nothing works), gotta clear my bladder at least once every night.

Immensely grateful Marcus buys me food i want to eat, and he helps me to finish my leftovers.
I cannot stand the way i feel on most days, eeky, sicky, pukey, all grossed out.

Today's breakdown $194+:

Consultation: $65
Scan: $60
Urine Test: $5
Iron pill: $7
Fish oil: $45

Here's an ultrasound of buttercup. He/she is sleeping in a curled up position so Dr Poon couldn't capture a good photo after trying many times. Which means the measurement is not accurate today either. Its ok baby, just sleep and grow well for Daddy and Mummy ok xoxo

week 10: Morning Sickness at its peak

Hi guys! I am into my 10th week of pregnancy.
The past week has been a trying one; felt nauseated all week long, puking & gagging away.
Still, i force myself to eat and drink for the sake of the little life inside me.

Currently standing at 42.6kg, Dr Poon wasn't impressed with my weight loss.
Not so easy to gain with my lack of appetite :(
Baby measures slightly past the 3cm mark. That's double the length, 2 weeks ago.
His heart beats strong and rapidly.

This time, i was a little more calm during the appointment.
Morning sickness was super dampening on my spirits and making my days unproductive.
Marcus have been extremely caring and patient with me.
I am so so so loved.

These days, i take a minimum of 2 hours nap, twice a day.
When i'm not sleeping, i pray, listen to worship songs, stone, get some work done.
No serious cravings for anything.
If i can complete a meal, that itself is an achievement.
I absolutely detest the taste of toothpaste, durian, garlic, onions and anything too overpowering.

Being the first patient of the day, Dr Poon seems quite unsettled (his messy morning hair haha).
He still answered our questions patiently and i brought up concerns about all the medicine i had been given since the last consultation. We discussed and changed some.

Folate, Cativ D3, Ironyl (changed to Neogobion) and lastly Utrogeston (changed to Duphaston).
Its causing me depression just taking that many pills.
The side effects are no joke.
However, he was insistent that i should continue the supplements.
So i will continue to be good until the end of my 1st Trimester.
Really taking it one day at a time now.

Will be taking blood test in 2 weeks time to test for HIV, blood count, blood type and a whole bunch of other stuffs. Ahhh i do hate needles and pain.
It will prove of those pills work in increasing my blood count.
I think we are not too keen on the down syndrome tests, so might skip it.
We are keeping the baby regardless, and we place our trust in Him.

2nd appointment cost us $190+ including GST, a few dollars short of $200.

Consultation: $65
Ultrasound $60
Urine test $5 (for gulcose level)
A bunch of medicine ranging $7-40

Ouch.

I know i promised a photo of my baby bump but i realised it can't be seen in photos yet.
I still look flat in the front but top view seems to be changing (noticed only by myself haha).

So here's a nice photo Dr Poon captured:
Wiggly hands and feet.
I can see his happy belly hehe.
Grow up healthily and well baby, xoxo!

If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commands, so that they and their children will prosper forever.
Deu 5:29

Dr Poon King Fu Review

I wish we had known about Dr Poon earlier.
A good friend Amy recommended us to him recently.
He was so reassuring, friendly, and he made us feel comfortable immediately.

Today marks 7 weeks (8 maybe), its always +5 -5 approximately.
Praise the Lord we saw growth, development and heard the heartbeat.
God is so so so good (:

Dr Poon answered our questions patiently, he explained what i should avoid, how the husband can take care of me, i just feel so assured to have him taking care of me now. Grateful and thankful God directed us to the right doctor and friends.

Its better to make an appointment in advance because i got rejected 2 weeks ago. Their schedule was full for the day and i got turned away. Made an appointment to see him at 1045, saw him only at 1115. Wasn't too long a wait but i was super kanchiong to see the little one!! Technology and clinic environment is standard, ultrasound photo turned out very clear. He also checked my Blood Pressure and stomach before the scan. Dr Phua did none of these. I would think there's more privacy as compared to Dr Phua at Kovan.
Dr Poon delivers at Mount E Novena too, so we are definitely excited!!

Dr Poon makes his morning rounds at the hospital before stepping into clinic after 10am.
Some waiting is expected if there are emergencies at the hospitals.

Bottom line, we highly recommend Dr Poon. He's godly, confident and thorough with his explanations without much promptings. I could tell he was equally as happy when he scanned me this morning, he even said Thank God and smiled when he saw the little one. Which made me extra happy to know my doctor is optimistic like we are.

Below is a breakdown of our 1st visit (excludes GST):

Consultation: $80
Scan: $60
Urine test: $5
Medicine: $5-7

I would say it slightly on the pricer side for a neighbourhood clinic.
Almost like Dr Kowa charges over at Mount E.
But we do feel like we are in good hands this time.
Lord, please continue to bless Marcus in his ministry and career so we can afford the checkups :b

As of today, i really detest durians and meat.
Bloatedness and morning sickness continues but it seems much better already.
I experience extreme fatigue on some days. But not a problem since i don't bake on a daily basis. Im positively sure i have a baby bump, its still flat-looking but i feel the difference already. When you are more tone, its harder to see a bump. Will provide a baby bump photo on my next entry after my 10th week checkup. Stay tune!

Update 26 Feb 2016: Dr Poon King Fu is honestly our best decision ever (:
Mention my name (Shanice) if you are going to visit him.
He will be extra extra extra extra friendly with you haha