Growth Spurt

You see this photo? This is Aysha, warming up her tear factory. ..tee-hee

Recently, Aysha have been nursing quite often at night, but the nursing at night doesn't seem to be long. The most is 1 hour and she will be sleeping until the next nursing time (3+ hours). But last night, Aysha wakes up every hour that I was unable to get a short shut eye, and this time, she wouldn't let go from her latch, whenever she fell asleep on my breast. I just hope that she doesn't make it a habit that every night, she would want to nibble and fell asleep shortly after.

My guess is, Aysha is going through growth spurt. I've read some articles in Babycenter but the one article in KellyMom which I find is helpful. So, for recording purposes, here are some snippets from the article on growth spurt:

"What is a growth spurt?

During a growth spurt, breastfed babies nurse more often than usual (sometimes as often as every hour) and often act fussier than usual.

The increase in baby's milk intake during growth spurts is temporary. In exclusively breastfed babies, milk intake increases quickly during the first few weeks of life, then stays about the same between one and six months. As solids are gradually introduced after six months, baby's milk intake will gradually decrease.

Physical growth is not the only reason that babies may have a temporary need for increased nursing. Babies often exhibit the same type of behavior (increased nursing with or without increased fussiness) when they are working on developmental advances such as rolling over, crawling, walking or talking. Mom's milk is for growing the brain as well as the body!"

Aysha seems to be babbling a lot and her favorite word is "mamam". Yes, she likes to eat also :). She's also trying to sit and stand on her own, but I've been too over-protective that every time she turns I would catch her with wide arms open. I know I should be letting her explore her capabilities, but I fear she may injure herself. Note to self: Must let Aysha learn.

When do babies have growth spurts?

Common times for growth spurts are during the first few days at home and around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months (more or less). Babies don't read calendars, however, so your baby may do things differently.

Growth spurts don't stop after the first year - most moms notice growth spurts every few months during the toddler years and periodically thereafter on through the teenage years.

What?! Did they actually mention "teenage years"? *Faints*

What is the best way to handle a growth spurt?

Follow your child's lead. Baby will automatically get more milk by nursing more frequently, and your milk supply will increase due to the increased nursing. It is not necessary (or advised) to supplement your baby with formula or expressed milk during a growth spurt. Supplementing (and/or scheduling feeds) interferes with the natural supply and demand of milk production and will prevent your body from getting the message to make more milk during the growth spurt.

Some nursing moms feel more hungry or thirsty when baby is going through a growth spurt. Listen to your body -- you may need to eat or drink more during the time that baby is nursing more often.

I am currently supplying Aysha with more food! LOL! No lah. I think we can cope with the frequent cries and nursing.

But the one thing I cannot stand is Aysha is just too clingy! Any mummies out there can share how to handle this? Why clingy, I think she just misses me:

1. She cries when I am out of sight

Solution: my mum come up with a distraction, and I leap for rescue!

2. She cries when I don't pick her up

Solution: I had to pick her up lah. At first, she would just whine and being all fussy, but after awhile ignoring her, she would wail on top of her lungs (sampai tiada bunyi, muka pun merah-merah), I then notice her tears trickling down. *Sobs*

3. She cries when I put her down

Solution: This morning, while I was putting on my work clothes, she hold on to me and I noticed that her grip was almost painfully intolerable. So, I was actually putting on make up with her in my ring sling and she was happily looking at herself in the mirror (bikin panas)

Nevertheless, I still love her (duh!).

Aysha 9months 2 weeks

Tee-hee...

I am terribly sorry for not updating as often, but my work have been quite hectic lately. The family is doing fine, and I will be going for several more outstation work this month that I certainly am not looking forward to (my frozen EBM stash have been used up by my parents who tends to think "Aysha wants to nenen", when Aysha can actually wait. In return, I have to do extra pumping every time! Tiring). What more with my notebook crashed and have lost most of my hospital photos, which I manage to recover (because it was backed up in my pen drive! LOL! Tongok).

DEVELOPMENT

Aysha is 9m2weeks now and on her 8m3weeks, she had her first tooth (incisor at the bottom)! She didn't have the fever nor the aching cries but she tends to be more clingy... like a bigger baby monkey! Aysha smiles a lot and grins happily everytime she gets up in the morning and with the sight of mummy, of course.

Aysha still refuses to crawl, but loves to sit like a big girl without support. I think Aysha is eager to grow because, she also loves standing, and there has been a few attempts that she tries to take her first step (be it toward myself or toward a mobile phone or toward her mamam!).

This is Aysha (in her Turquoise Itti Bitti SIO, hehehe) after her morning bath waiting for us to get ready. If you enlarge this photo, you can actually see her first Incisor!

Aysha also loves to sing, dance, jumping up and down like a monkey (with support of course), screaming, whining, babble, smiles, grins and trick-dangdut! Hahaha, "trick dangdut" is a term my family uses when Aysha opens up her arm to someone (presumably "asking" for the person to carry her), but quickly pulls herself away once the person wants to carry her. She is now so picky, where, she refuses to put on her diaper (dangerous to put on her hook and loop diaper cos she easily will unhook and unloop them!). She refuses to put on her top! She refuses to baring and all she wants to do is jump jump JUMP! *pengsan*

But, how can you marah to this cheeky monkey? Muka yang sangat bikin panas!

SOLIDS

Aysha has started on solids since 6mo, but not on a regular schedule. Now that she's 9mo, we've started her on a more regular schedule:

8.30am - Morning mamam

12.30pm - Lunch mamam

5.30pm - Early dinner mamam

Whenever we're out of the house, I will bring some foods for Aysha and some rice crackers. It's just sad to see her trying to reach for your plate of curry fish head while she just watches you eat! So, the rice crackers normally is just a snack and we tend not to spoil her schedule.

Apart from porridge and puree, she loves her papaya and..... bananas!!! LOL! So monkey kan?

Aysha having her breakfast on a Sunday morning. My mum fed her because, she would not sit put if I feed her!

BREASTFEEDING

Alhamdulillah, I am still fully breastfeeding Aysha and still pumping at work, on the road, inside the car, outside the car, during a meeting, tunggang terbalik masih lagi pumping. Babies are certainly smart. Aysha can differentiate between her bottle and my boobies. I tried and failed miserably, feed Aysha via bottle and she refused. She would growled at me and tap my boobies. Sometimes, she would put her hands inside my top as if she had missed my boobies somewhere in there! Smart girl!

This is Aysha, after her nursing session. Just look at the happy face, satisfied indeed!

We’ve also tried the many BF position in the book. Be it cradle hold, football hold, cross handle, side lying, you name it. But, Aysha likes to sit up and BF saddle hold! After her nursing session, she would play with the nipple (don’t ask). This is when she squeeze the nipple and the milk squirted to her face! LOL! Padan muka...

OTHERS

Both me and husband dearest, are missing Aysha by the minute of the day. We can’t wait to go home to our “bundle of joy” and regardless of how tiring, or how my migraine is killing me, I don’t mind letting Aysha to slide or jump up and down like a monkey.

Haa! (muka bersalah) Sempat lagi kasi koyak kertas! Adoooii...

How can it be about ME when...

Happy 8th month old, baby!

The Conversation I HAD to Endure Yearly

'Tis the season to be jolly...eh, salah lagu..

Selamat Hari Lebaran, Minal Aidil Wal Faizin....ermm, pastu aku lupa sudah.

It's Eid!! This year, me and husband find it EXTRA fun to celebrate Raya. We both know that Aysha is still too small to understand the meaning of Raya but, I think she can tell from the "ever so bergemerlapan lit up" house that we have this year.

Can't wait for when Aysha has grown older to at least know what those lights were lit up for!

On another note, my husband is a person who loves Raya. I, am person who OK-Ok la Raya. But he just LOVES Raya so much. He would start decorating the house (with MORE LIGHTS every year) and of course, my dad loved that VERY much (cos, he LOVES Raya too). My husband even bought some bunga api (fireworks), for reason, "Aysha suka niiii" (yeah right!).

All the decorating, loving Raya and fireworks I can tolerate, but there's one thing I cannot tolerate AT ALL!! *pengsan*:

1st week of Ramadhan:
Z: Ayang, napa durang nda pasang lagu Raya ni? (refering to the radio station)
K: Mana boleh pasang lagi. Radio station punya prinsiple is to pasang lagu Raya 1 week before only.
Z: Oooo... ok lah

2nd week of Ramadhan:
Z: Sudah 2 minggu sudah ni puasa. Belum juga ni radio pasang lagu Raya.
K: Ya laa, kan 1 minggu sebelum jak baru boleh pasang...
*grrrrrr....*

3rd week of Ramadhan:
Z: Naa, 1 minggu mau Raya, pun belum lagi pasang lagu Raya.
K: Bah, tunggu la... nanti pasang la tuu.
Z: Bilang 1 minggu sebelum.. mana? Mana?

*tiba-tiba, this radio station TERpasang lagu raya*
*Z looked at me with the happy wide grin*

K: naa, tu lagu Raya
*he quickly press the MUTE button*
Z: Aku nda bulih la dengar lagu Raya ni... Aku sedih betul.. Sedih ni Ayang.
K: Kau juga mati-mati mau dengar lagu Raya, ni ada sudah, kau namau dengar pulak
Z: Nda bulih ni. Sedih betul aku mengenangkan kisah lalu *bikin panas!*
K: Bah, kasi off terus la ni radio
*I quickly press the off button*

Z: NAPA KAU OFF TU RADIO? Orang mau dengar lagu Raya baaaa...

ARGH!!!!!!!

***
****
*****

See what I had to endure EVERY YEAR!

The same conversation, the same lines! Adddooooiiii...

Except this year, I just totally ignore him and everytime I hear a Raya song on the radio, I quickly press the off button, before he manages to even stop me.... and quickly after that, he would switch the radio back on and said, "heh heh heh.... "

SAKIT JIWA AKU!

Aysha @ 6M 3W

Before Aysha hits the big 7mo, I'd better document this first.

Apart from being so clever at posing in front of the camera, she's still (I say still aahh) a friendly baby. She'd smile to anyone. I mean ANYONE (even the mamak at the kedai mamak). Once she smiles, she'd want you to pick her up (by expanding her arm) and take her around. When I'm at home, I just want to lounge in front of the TV and rest, when Aysha wants to be picked up. So, she'd scream and shout (that my dad actually thought I've dera my daughter! - sangat bikin panas ini anak). At this point, she know who can give her the "kepentingan".


This is when we were at the Sony Centre, trying out the digital cameras available. The tokeh kedai was so impressed with Aysha's cheekiness that he actually took some photos of Aysha and printed them out for us. Bergaya betul..



This is when my brother is testing the camera... terbelingkuk-belingkuk bah badan hanya untuk berposing

I've also started Aysha on solids. Her first solid was avocado puree. She absolutely love them! Now, she also loved her veges, rice porridge, potatoes and of course her Nenen.

LOL!

She can also now bergolek-golek. She'd roll herself from one end of the bed to the other end, which will only make me and my husband to melompat of FEAR! She knows when to stop and upon seeing us about to melompat to stop her, she'd laugh!!! Gerigitan aku ni anak tau.


She still loves to nangis. She would nangis when she sees me, nangis when she doesn't see me, nangis when she saw me and I try to ignore her, nangis, nangis, nangis.

This is when I just got up of our bed to go to the bathroom. Look at how the facial expression develops!

Haa, sedia sudaaaa...

Naaa, start sudah keradut muka dia tu....

Nangis lagi.... *sigh*

Aysha also likes for us to take her on the car ride. Whenever the car keys dangled and the sound of the keys dangling would make her super excited. See the excited face!! Mula-mula boleh duduk diam....


See, her body tends to slide down because she wants me to pick her up so she can look outside the window! After 1 year of this, I think I can enter the Malaysia BodyBuilding with my huge bicep...

Last but not least, she's now enriching her "vocabulary" through babbling. Mum told me that Aysha might be learning to talk. So, for her update vocabularies:

1. Neeeeenn or Enneeeeenng = Nenen;

2. Maaammm = Mamam (or eat);

3. Miiiii or Maaammiii = Mummy;

4. Maauu = Meow (or cat);

5. Maamaa = Nana (grandma);

6. Vrroooo Vrrooo = Car or Motorcycle;

7. Daddy = Daddy (binci aku!! She can actually pronounced daddy ever so perfectly!!!)

BIKIN PANAS!

My Story: AMEDA LACTALINE Breastpump

Ever since I got this pump, I never have got the chance to review the product. I find it difficult to review because I've not tried other pumps before (except for my Medela Harmony, which is a manual pump).

Anyways, in keeping my promise to a friend, I shall write something on Ameda Lactaline Breastpump (let's keep it short as ALB for referencing).

I had chosen to breastfeed my baby after the xth amount of readings and researching and I was quite determined to make it work. But, as you know, BF amongst working mums are just simply difficult to juggle, especially if you travel a lot. In the end of my researches, those are all just excuses because you can still BF your baby, providing that you have a good breastpump (BP).

During my reading, I have considered a few BP:
1. Medela Freestyle
2. Spectra 7
3. ALB

However, had to shortlist them by categories:
1. Budget (most vital);
2. Ability to dual pump;
3. Mobility I (not only mains operated but also battery operated);
4. Mobility II (lightweight, less bulky); and least
5. IF got freebies (not a criteria but nice to know what I can get).

I never considered on spare parts because, for sure the BP I've considered must also be a heavy duty pump (so, that's Medela Swing out the window!). So, I've finally made my decision, and it will be ALB.

Upon receiving the package from Richard Cassidy, the box contained:
1. the pump (d'uh);
2. 2 tubing and 1 connector;
3. Valves (and 2 spares);
4. 2 diapghrams (and 2 spares) ;
5. 2 white caps;
6. 2 Milk shells and 2 breastshields;
7. 2 milk collection set/bottles ;
8. 12 Axifeed bottles (FOC!)

On my first day of using the pump, I manage to collect almost 4 oz! Best wooorr. But, I had some difficulties in juggling between pumping and nursing especially during confinement. I was determined to stock up on my EBM, I managed to stock up to more than 20oz before returning to work.

My review on ALB:

Pros:
1. Affordable price
For a good heady duty performance BP, I find the price is comparatively affordable. When the exchange rate was quite subtle, I manage to get the BP for only RM588 including shipping (and 12 extra storage bottles!). The exchange rate may be a bit dear nowadays, but RM689.90 with free shipping (offered by TBL) is still considered, OK.

2. Suction / Volume Control
It may sound crazy but, I like the fact that I can control the suction / volume control. Plus, with the manual control I experience fast let-down reflex and sometimes, a double let-down.

3. Does it hurt?
My readings found that some BP actually hurts the breast. Some may even left the breasts swollen. With ALB, it's quite, errr, comfortable? Honestly, of course it hurts when you first BF your baby but, you tend to get accustomed to the 'pain'.

4. Easy Assembly
The BP comes in 4 parts:
1. Breast shields;
2. Collection bottles;
3. Cap and diagphram;
4. Valve
I often had to sit in for a meeting and when it's time to pump, I can actually quickly assemble the parts and pump for a minimum of 15 minutes, and I'm good to go!

5. Universal Neck
The collection bottle provided is rather small, it can only collect up to max of 4oz of EBM. But, since the neck is quite universal, I can still use any other round neck bottles. Cos sometimes, malas mau cuci the collection kit :)

6- Abundant milk!!!!
Unfair comment, but I managed to express up to 16oz during workdays as compared to my Harmony (of course). To me, that is quite an abundant supply. But, since Aysha is drinking a lot more, I just have to pump more (only I had the time to spare...boo-hoo).

7. Mobility
It's battery operated, light weight and can use a car adapter (although unecessary since you can use battery).

8. Easy to wash
I admit, I can be very patient but if having to multi task with a lot of office work at the same time, I can be so lazy to even wash the breastshields and collection bottles (I sometimes pay the cleaner to wash them for me...heh heh heh). However, malas or no malas, I find it easy to wash. Since it comes in 4 parts only, so, it's easy for me to disassemble the parts and wash. Sometimes, when I'm travelling, I don't use soap, so I just put the parts under running water and it's clean as new (but I make sure I sterilised when I'm back at home or hotel, though).


Cons:
1. Noise
Some mums find ALB quite noisy. To me, it's bearable. I sometimes had to pump in the middle of the night when Aysha sleeps through, and the noise doesn't seem to bother Aysha at all.

2. Parts
The parts sold in Malaysia is quite expensive! Plus, they are rather fragile. I managed to tear the valve on my first day of washing the valve (tee-hee) and now I am using up all my spares. The price found in Blessed Mums for 1 piece of valve is RM19.90 (excluding shipping). However, if I had been careful or 'feminine' enough, the valve should be able to last for about 6 months. Another thing I noticed is that, the motor seemed to be more effective with a new valve. My EBM reduced in a few occassions (which I thought, "ooo, could be because I already had my period so my supply is down" - NOT!). Also, if you own the old model of ALB, quickly change the breastshield to the ECO set which is shatterproof.

3. You need to stock 6 AA batteries!!
This part, is the only thing I cannot tahan. I travel a lot especially for work and sometimes I had to drive and pump (heh heh, yes, I muster the skills oredi). 6 AA batteries (a good tahan brand, of course) can last you up to 10 pumping sessions. But if you get those Eveready batteries, you're lucky to even pump up to 6 sessions!! Luckily, the battery is easily found, just the purse is thinning having to spend RM20 every time the battery is flat!

4. Warranty
If you purchase it outside the country, you are faced with warranty issues. So, check with your supplier and asks them on their warranty.



So, I hope with that, some of you are able to decide on which pump to choose. This is only my piece of story which I don't intend to use for marketing or professional referencing.


Nevertheless, I must also conclude that:
REGARDLESS of how expensive or reliable your BP may be, ALWAYS remember that the most efficient BP in the world is YOUR BABY.

Aysha the Derek Zoolander

During my pregnancy (of Aysha, of course), I loved watching the TV. Be it sitcoms, stupid local game shows (like BOLOS or Kelaaaaaaaaaaaaab *clap clap* Ppppooooppp.. LOL!), CSI, HBO movies, all sorts of movies (even drama swasta yang bodo merangkak-rangkak menangis pun aku tengok). But, I heart watching Zoolander. Don't know why, but I watched Zoolander over and over again. Heh, Ben Stiller just cracks me up.

After realising this weird obsession, I think I've witnessed a number of (or a glimpse of) Derek Zoolander in Aysha. Let me tell you what I meant:

Similarities of Aysha and Derek Zoolander

1. "Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really ridiculously good-looking?"

Man oh man, Aysha knows how to pose. She loves looking at herself in the mirror (talking about vanity at a young age). Guess what, whenever we pick up our camera or phones, she would get ready looking at the camera and.... pose *click*.

Aysha would also know whether it is time for us to take her out. When I put on nice dresses or diapers, or at a look at my Green Carribee tote bag, she would be smiling happily. So, this is when I dress her up when my aunt had to send my cousin to the airport:

Talk about "Blue Steel"!

This is on a very hot evening (after work). She was wiggling so much (cos she had to sit with her daddy instead of her mummy - cos mummy was so tired to give her nenen, heh), so I took out my handphone, she ACTUALLY stopped crying! LOL!

Look at her hair! My mum call it the "David Beckham" look! LOL!:

..I had to work last Sunday in an exhibition, and I've asked my husband to pick me up from work. It was quite humid and hot, so my husband brought Aysha along in the car to pick me up. Imagine my horror! But, Aysha was such a good girl, she sit quietly while her daddy drives to Meruntum.

SEE!!! Sempat lagi dia pose for me kan? Haih, sabar jak laaa anak dara aku niii..:

Sama kan with Derek Zoolander? Aysha has yet to master the "Magnum"... for reason number 2! (heh heh)

2. "I'm not an ambi-turner"

Aysha now can roll over from one end of the bed to the other (guling-guling macam Hindustan). But, she can never roll on her left, hence, I see the similarities to Zoolander! That is why, Aysha still is perfecting her "Magnum" look. LOL!

3. "Or did you think I was too stupid to know what a googoolizer is?"

*Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr* Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr *

Yes, this is what she does almost every day. She would try to create bubbles from her mouth and spit!! Every morning, I'd get up earlier that my husband cos I need to pump, to cuci kain, to jemur kain, to masak air, to prepare Aysha's bath, to pack Aysha's diapers, ETC ETC ETC. So, my husband would spend precious time with Aysha on the bed, until she creates a vibrating sound and spit at my husband face. LOL!

4. "What is this? A center for ants? How can we expect to teach children to learn how to read if they can't even fit inside this building? I don't wanna hear excuses! The building has to be at least *PAUSE* 3 times bigger than this!"

I think I have created a Drama Princess. This is Aysha smiling after making a scene with her Nana!

5. "You know what will cheer you up? ORANGE MOCHA FRAPPUCHINO!"

After making a huge scene of crying out loud and muka seposen, sumbat with nenen....

....and it's ALL goooooooood:

.... I still can't believe how fast time flies, Aysha is already 6 months old! Can't wait for our MAD-day!

My "2nd" Purchase

BEFORE:

(Me wearing Aysha in a very ALANUT pouch)





Eh?


Apa ni???


Heeeeeeehhh... After the LONG procrastination of which to get, over the past 2 months (or so), I am now an official owner of a MAGNOLIA on EGGSHELL WHITE (yes, not blue), I repeat, a WHITE ring sling. I am of course a sucker for anything flowery, but I am so into black and white since I was in confinement! Geez, talk about taik cicak!


Anyways, I always wanted to replace my old RS. I find the old RS quite difficult to use (because it somehow confuses me, until Farrah demonstrated me on the 'how-tos'. The old RS (regardless of it being blue and a beautiful material actually), I find it difficult to adjust (probably because of the ring which was small in size) and slippery too.

Here's me and Aysha, posing for the camera before heading to my FIL's place:

AFTER:

Here's us supposedly nampak itu design-design. Tapi, husband aku ni BUKAN MAU KASITAU!!! Ishk!!! (pastu, bangga dengan diri sendiri sebab cantik kunun gambar kami tuuu):

Here's how the sling's design SUPPOSE to look like:

Yeay!! My first post on "babywearing"... oh, will take more pics on Aysha's Ergo.

On a different note, Aysha now has the "power" to SCREAM on top of her lungs if she was not picked up. Yes, she now knows the power of her scream, that she can actually bully her Nana and Atok and even her daddy. But, with her mummy, hah! (okla, I did cair la once in a while). But Aysha, most of the time will scream if she was actually picked up by someone else but me. Terbalik pulak.

Honestly, I can't even cuci kain, or mandi or even eat. I had to carry her. Even when I've asked Z to give Aysha her nenen (bottle), she would refuse the bottle totally and would want to "ngap-ngap" my nenen. Of course la, I felt honoured, but adoi, mau berak pun susah!

Aysha have also found a new way to bully others. Yes, she now loves to be held up so that she can stand or "walk" (kunun).

Look at her face... LOL! Menggeram!

Ha, this is her excited face because she can now "walk" from the living room to the dining table where I was having my dinner! See, ini budak kecik will not let me out of her sight!

I wanted to post on my latest addiction, but Farrah has done it earlier.. so.. :)

Aysha 5mo

......Then I bought 3 CD, 1 Drybees bamboo fitted diaper, 1 AIO and 1 AI2 Itti Bitti. Not in picture, I also bought 2 Medium size Drybees from Mia Bambina. (I don't intend to buy those Drybees fitted diaper, but si Sandra was telling me all the NICE things about the diaper, that I actually went home and dreamt about the CD! Cisssssss!!!!).

I actually saved up some money for a Ring Sling, but sangat kesian Aysha cannot fit her Drybees S size oledi. Being a "good" mummy, I bought her diapers instead. I was browsing and saw a Cushies Tushies Couture, don't know anyone using them cos want to know their reviews on these diapers.

A treat for myself, 2 Lunapads from Mia Bambina (si Sandra ni kan, she really knows how to sell, bagus ooo):

Wow! Aysha is now 5mo! How time flies. Twas like only yesterday she popped out and I was on my "messy" confinement month trying to figure out her cries and her tantrums.

Being a mother have taught me a lot of things about raising a child. It may "look" simple and easy but in actual fact, it is a lot of hard work.

I worry, what I might say or do, can cause such stress or even transform my child into such monster!

...Why I say this because, I have encountered many many people whom have treated their parents badly. Upon asking why, they told me that:
1. "I don't have any respect for my parents, because they don't understand my feelings";

2. "I don't care! My parents only tell me off but never seem to understand the situation";

3. "People don't understand me".

I see a notorious trend in the word "understand", but as I sit back, trying to "understand" the situation, I ask myself back, "Does this person even UNDERSTAND how much trouble the parents had to go through in bringing up this person?"

Nauzubillah.

I would also like to pray that this person be guided by Allah, and soon realised that the mother has provided over the 9months the mother nourished him/her with food and comfort inside the womb, over the period of 28 years of his/her life the mother provided with unconditional love, a home and security... and to be thankful of the life that was bestowed upon him/her.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE.... Aysha is 5mo (huh, sungguh potong stim itu orang that he/she spoiled my entry!).

Aysha and her bodyguard, Kecik, on the playmat and gym (courtesy of Noi). Thanks Noi for the gift, Aysha loved it so much!! Of course she uses the mat as her drooling place also lah, but she now able to focus and grab the dangling toy!

Aysha the wiggly baby!:

Aysha only turned 5mo, but she can now fit into her Baby Gap romper (courtesy of Aunty Jiejie). The romper is suitable for 6-12mo babies, but I think Aysha is so panjang that she can fit into it. Thanks Jie!:

Aysha can now:

1. Grab or hold things longer in her palm (especially her bottle or my nenen);

2. Grab or hold and shove things into her mouth (sangat dangerous);

3. Able to lift both her legs and hold near to her chest (and people say, if she starts to suckle on her toes, it's a sign that she wants some company, i.e. adik....*pengsan*);

4. Since she has a clearer vision, she now able to identify our faces even from afar (imagine had to go outstation and see the smile on her face once I entered the house. *I melted*);

5. Able to turn left and right;

6. Grab on nenen as her comfort pillow at night (which is dangerous cos she likes to nurse and not letting go and eventually fall asleep, and still not letting go);

7. ...I think she is showing signs to start on solids... haiya, have not had the time yet to read on this;

8. She loves to "jalan-jalan" (i.e. dibawa jalan!);

9. Able to shout on top of her lungs and then listen, and smiled proudly that she's able to do that (LOL!);

10. ..how can I forgotten about this. Aysha is now able to sit (with support of course). Though she would eventually slide down but, she can now sit with me on the sofa without fussing...

My beautiful Bibi Aysha is now a big girl:

Travelling & Pumping

Last month, I was asked to go to Subang for a course. I was already worried that I might not have enough frozen EBM for Aysha while I'm away for 3 days. I've asked several experienced moms, read on the Net on travelling and pumping and most of them gave me a somewhat a similar answer. But, thought I'd share with you (and for my recording also), my travelling and pumping story for the 3 days I was in Subang.


PREPARATION:

1. Breastpump
A number of work & travel mum, loves to use a manual pump. But, I preferred a dual electric pump. This is because, while you work & travel, you wouldn't have as much time as a tourist (yes, because, you're working). But also be reminded that if you choose to take an electric pump, make sure it is also battery operated. Why? Well, if you work & travel, be prepared for ANYTHING. This also means, be prepared to pump ANYWHERE (even in toilets, if needs be), in a moving car or even in the meeting room (during lunch time of course).

This is my trusted electric dual breastpump, AMEDA LACTALINE:

And, this is me at (Midvalley) Jusco's baby room, pumping away:

2) VENUE/TRAVELLING ARRANGEMENT
If you know where you'll be staying, arrange with the venue/hotel that you need to 'borrow' some freezer/fridge space. Most of the hotels will be really helpful, which they would be able to cater to your request. Before you leave the house, try to find time to empty your breast first before taking the flight, at least this would save you from having to explain at the check-in counter. However, if you are like me (always in a hurry i.e. TERHEGEH-HEGEH), you can also pump at the Surau once you checked in or pump in flight during foods being served. Talk to the air-hostess to save your food for later and to ensure that the toilet is not accessible by anyone for at least 20-30 minutes.

3) STORAGE/COOLER BAG & CHILLING

Well, when you need to travel and bring back those EBM, a sufficient amount of storage and chilling components is required. Before I travel to Subang, I only have 1 small and 1 medium sized cooler bags, with only 3 small chillers (to fit the 1 small cooler bag). So, I purchased COMPASS - COOLER BAG with WHEELS. The cooler bag can keep up to 100 150ml bottles. I also purchased 3 sheets of TECHNI ICE as chilling components. I was quite lucky that one of my bestest friends was able to pick up the cooler bag and chiller for me, so I don't have to pay for delivery charges :) hehe... Pack up, a sufficient amount of storage bottles or milk storage bags. For my travel, I only used Playtex, although, Playtex bags are not recommendable for freezing breastmilk. But, so far, I have not heard/read any complaints on bag tearing, etc. To ensure the bag is safely secured, tie the bags with nylon cables a.k.a. CABLE TIE! :)

Here are my equipments:

L-R (back): bagpack to carry your breastpump and small cooler bag, 1 small cooler bag (black), 1 medium sized cooler bag (to bring to your meeting/training), 1 GIGANTIC cooler bag (to store all those frozen EBM).

L-R (front): Cable ties, AMEDA LACTALINE Breastpump, milk storage bottles, Playtex... and 1 mineral water
Not in photo: Container (freezer-able)

Also, remember to bring some pens or marker pens to label your Playtex and bottles.


Here's my bagpack, small cooler bag, medium sized cooler bag and GIGANTIC cooler bag (with wheels! hehe).


DURING:


1) KNOW YOUR SCHEDULE

I find it important that I know my day's schedule so I can plan my pumping sessions ahead. Here's my schedule in short:


06.00pm : Check-in (went straight to the Surau to pump, store in bottle so the milk is save from explosion due to pressure change).


07.15pm: Board the plane


09.50pm: Board off the plane and pick up checked-in luggage


10.00pm: Pump at Surat @ KLIA


10.30pm: Travel by cab to hotel


12.00am: Check-in and pump in room (store EBM in Playtex, refrigerate), wake up every 3 hours to pump (so, 3am, 6am)

7.00am: Breakfast (this time, I take all the EBM and place in a container, met up with the Chef at Holiday Villa Subang, and he gave me a container sized space in his freezer to store my EBM).

7.45am: Pump again

10.00am: Morning break so, pump at Surau (I was very lucky that the surau was nearby to the training ropm)

12.30pm: Lunch

01.30pm: Pump at room

*I didn't went for a pump after lunch cos I'd want to wait until 5pm (once the training is over).

...I think you get the drift. I pump every 3 - 4 hours.

However, if you only travel for a day, don't send those EBM to the freezer or else it wouldn't have enough time to be frozen.

2) OPEN MIND
Yes, when you travel & pump, you must not set any expectations. Through my experiences, I noticed that my breast easily get lumpy and swollen if I pump before I board the plane. So, be prepared with some hot towels to get those milk out (or you wouldn't be able to sleep at night). I also never expect to just pump in a Surau but I've set that I should be able to pump anywhere and anytime. Always keep a nursing cover with you. I was thankful that I always have my Fabulous Mum nursing cover (I think might want to get another one, so I don't have to keep packing and unpacking them from one bag to another).

TRAVELLING HOME:

1) PACKING
On my last day, I didn't freeze all my EBM. The ones I pumped before lunch, I've stored in the freezer of the hotel's kitchen (this very much depends on the freezer's power). Do not freeze your EBM if the freezer will not be able to froze those EBM before you leave. I also make sure that I brought back some fresh ones for Aysha's nenen the next day.

I picked up all my frozen EBM from the kitchen 30 minutes before I check-out from the hotel so that the chiller is cold enough just in case my flight would get delayed or even cancelled.

For this GIGANTIC cooler bag, I've used up 3 techni ice chillers. 1 was placed as a base and the remaining 2 on the sides.

Here (below picture), I did not take out those frozen EBM out of the container and place some fresh ones on the sides.

I've also placed the other 2 cooler bag on top of the container. The 2 cooler bags do have some chillers and freshly EBM.

Some cooler bags provides you with a top cover so that the chill do not escape out of the bag, like so:

2) TRAVEL
Upon entering the departure hall, I've explained that I do not want my EBM to be scanned (although it should be ok) fearing that the scanning migh damage the milk. Be prepared for your cooler bag be unpacked for this (actually, the cooler bag was too big to go through the scanning machine).

Upon check-in at the gate, I've explained to the officer at the counter that I am taking some frozen EBM and did not check it in as luggage cos the storage might be too hot and might cause the milk to defrost. Most airline companies prefer you to take the cooler bag with you cos else, they might have to face some cabin pressure problems which MAY cause the milk to somehow (miraculously) explode! Ha ha ha!

Upon boarding the plane, I've entered the plane last cos I wanted my cooler bag to be placed with the first class cabin crew for storage. Most of the times, the cabin crew will assist you (and store your cooler bag in their cloak room. Plus the bag is just too big to be stored on the overhead compartment!).

3) UNPACKING
Once I landed, I rushed to the kitchen and store all my EBM in the freezer and store the fresh EBM in the fridge for next day use.

Here's my frozen EBM (this was an old picture, heh heh, use your imagination):

Conclusions:

1. Always have an open mind to pump anywhere.

2. It's handy to have a dual pump since time is crucial especially if you're attending a meeting/event.

3. Label your EBM wisely.

4. Don't be too lazy to pump especially when you are travelling. You do not want to go home with a sore lumpy breasts.

5. Although a dual pump is helpful while you are travelling, but any expensive pump is NEVER as efficient in drawing out milk than your baby. So, get your baby to nurse as soon as you return home. In my case, my breasts tend to get lumpy and sore everytime I travel (even though if the travel is just for a day!).

Update:

My mum membebel this morning, asking when am I going to use some of those frozen EBM cos they seem to take up space in her fridge....and my VERY clever husband have suggested to my mum to put up an e-store selling off those EBM.... Sungguh bikin panas!