Mumming Around

In my last visit to my gynae, scans showed that the little one (now about 36+5) is already head down. With my hips starting to loosen (and hurt because I have injured them before) and my pelvis getting pretty sore, the gynae advised that I pack my hospital bag even though I have a c-section planned for mid-May.  People seem to make a big deal about what to put inside their hospital bag, but a really kind new mum who also chose to deliver at Mt Alvernia reached out to me (mainly to remind me not to walk too much because she knew I was really busy at work, haha) to let me know what she packed and ended up using or not using. Recently, a good friend came over and shared some tips as well. Here's what's in my hospital bag (and my bag itself) (prices indicated are from the time of purchase): 1.   20" Hard Case Carry On Luggage $47 only from Shopee! Still can't believe the value.  I am a sucker for anything mint or baby blue so I got this for myself sometime back. This h...

Finally got the last of my samples just about a month and a half from my elective c-section date! These have been so helpful as I am a little reluctant to get full sized products till I know what is suitable for my newborn's skin.  Links to each sample signup page included! Cetaphil Baby Skincare Kit ( Register Here ) Moisturising Bath & Wash (50ml) and Daily Lotion (50ml) $2 off voucher (min $20 spend)  at selected retailers Suu Balm Kids  ( Register Here ) Dual Rapid Itch Relieving Cream sachet (3ml) and Dual Soothing & Moisturising Head to Toe Wash sachet  (10ml) SAMPLE15 for 15% off on suubalm.com (till 31 July 2024) QV Baby  ( Register Here ) Gentle Wash (15g), Moisturising Cream (15g), Nappy Cream (10g), Bath Oil (10ml) I really like that the pamphlet teaches us how to use the product, rather than just explain the benefits. Aveeno Baby  ( Register Here ) Daily Moisture Lotion (30g)

You can keep track of only  IVF related posts using the IVF tag.   Timelines (if indicated) are rough estimate based on my memory.  Part 3 Takeaway: Knowledge is power. I mean this in a positive way. I learnt so much more about the IVF process by going private (and I thought I'd already read as much as I could before my public hospital experience). And this in turn helped me process my journey better, even the many disappointments that continued to pile up.  I procrastinated on this post because I was trying to figure out how to write it. I didn't really want it to be a step-by-step on how I changed doctors kind of post. This post isn't to convince you to change from public to private either. Rather, I hope this gives you additional information about what you can ask for, or things you can advocate for, that you may not have know about or get tested for during the chaotic and slightly impersonal process that going through the public route can be.  ~~~~~~Another ...

First Impressions I love any sample pack that feels substantial and contains useful items, and was pleasantly surprised at the weight of the pack when I picked the bag off my doorstep. The reusable bag the sample was sent in contained milk powder, brochures, and a very useful foldable changing mat. Items Included 600g Promama milk sample in foil bag with scoop 1 x foldable changing mat Promama and Wyeth Parenting Club brpchure Wyeth Nutrition brochure about children's nutrition Pram Wash brochure and discount code NouRiche confinement food voucher $50 Bambini Photography voucher Sample Review Promama can be consumed by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and even those trying to conceive #TTC. Promama claims to be a low-fat option, and you can read more about its benefits here .  Have not tasted it yet as I just opened a new tin of Similac Mum which has been my favourite option so far. I'm reluctant to open the packet as it came in a full size tin foil pack, and I thought it wo...

You can keep track of only  IVF related posts using the IVF tag.   Timelines are rough estimate based on my memory. They differ from person to person due to peak/low periods, longer queues during holiday season or lab closure for cleaning, etc. Note that this was also in 2021, and sequence of procedures may have changed.  Part 2 Takeaway:  Advocate for yourself and ask lots of questions. Do not shortchange yourself and your experience by keeping quiet . You deserve to know what the doctors are putting you through. I wish I had asked more questions, but I kept telling myself that I was going through the subsidised route and I should just follow the protocol. I finished the cycle (spoiler alert: no baby)  understanding things only on hindsight, and I ended the cycle feeling all the What Ifs, like I did not do everything I could.  ~~~~~This is a very lengthy post!~~~~~

If you're like me and you can't focus on Mummys Market's pre-order flash sale  website carousel that won't stop moving and poster that is all over the place, I hope you appreciate this table I put together for a much clearer view on what and more importantly, when the items we want are going on sale.  Feel free to share this list! In return, please don't fight me for wet wipes, haha! (I have also included this as a tab in my full  Price Watch/Comparison Sheet here ) Day Date/Time Brand Item Price UP Discount Quantity Available Tuesday 27 Feb, 11:00 Bonbijou Lucas Light Weight Stroller (Charcoal Black) $99.00 $319.00 68.97% 20 Tuesday 27 Feb, 11:00 Parklon Multupurpose Mat Honey Comb Herbs (S) $9.00 $55.00 83.64% 20 Tuesday 27 Feb, 11:00 The Toy Factory Pacifier Chain $1.00 $22.90 95.63% 30 Wednesday 28 Feb 11:00 Bebear Foldable Aluminium Hipseat Baby Carrier - Air Comfort (Blue/Grey) $139.00 $258.00 46.12% Grey 8, Blue 6 Wednesday 28 Feb 11:00 Shapee Belly Wrap Plus...

You can keep track of only IVF related posts using the IVF tag.   I thought of starting each post of this series with ONE key takeaway I have from this part of the journey. For Part 1, it is to get fertility checked, even if you aren’t thinking of trying yet (or even at all). Your reproductive system is part of your overall health. I wouldn’t have known about my PCOS and polyps if not for this, and that PCOS can develop from stress.  My Health and Lifestyle at the Start I started this journey feeling completely normal, fit and healthy. I have always been active, and am naturally inclined towards a healthy and balanced diet (love vegetables, don’t really like sweet things, drink lots of water…albeit cold water haha). But I did have an extremely stressful job, sometimes working 18 hours a day, with predictable peak periods at work where I know my cycle could last past 40 days.  Tracking at the Start When I started my TTC journey, it was full of tracking and planning (which...