Some Tips for a New Mother

My baby tiger

Alexander is currently 4.5 months old and on partial breastfeeding supplemented by formula and solids. Yes Alex started on solids at 4 months old as his pediatrician gave a go ahead. I have also returned back to work for a month and returned to my pre-pregnancy figure(almost).

I thought it would help some moms by posting various tips that I picked up the last few months:

How to increase breastmilk

1. Use a double pump (would recommend Medela's double pump)

When I first gave birth, I was using Medela's swing, a single pump. It was a good pump but it was not fast enough and also tiring for me. I got the double pump and seriously it reduces my stress of producing enough milk.

Firstly I got almost twice the amount of milk by using the double pump (increased from 200ml to 400ml in total) each pump. I pump 4 times throughout the whole day- 9am, 2pm,6pm,10pm and slept through the night. Not a problem at all. However you got to keep your pumping routine regular

2. Drink double boiled chicken soup

Whenever I feel there is a dip in my milk supply (usually after pumping irregularly), this would be my SOS option. One whole kampong or black chicken, only 2 bowls of water, 4 scallops, some garlic cloves and some black beans, dump everything into a slowcooker for 5hours. Down that two bowls of soup. Works like magic.

3. Brew Mother's Milk Tea

Available in the organic shop on level 5, Paragon. Works for myself and most of other moms I spoke to.

How to know if baby's ready for solids

1. A dip in appetite or intake of milk
Alexander loves loves loves milk. However for a week, we have to literally force him to drink otherwise he would not show any indication that he wants to drink.

2. Fussing Increases
Checked the diaper? Fed already? Shower already? Sleep already? Still crying?

Probably teething. And he keeps chewing on his blankie and toys.

3. Excited when you are eating
Alexander just keep squealing and cooing excitedly whenever we are having our dinner. He would look at us longingly and drool at the same time. We found it utmost amusing in the beginning.

4. Pediatrician says so
We brought Alex for his 4 month check and told the PD all the symptoms. And Alex was also holding up his head very well, PD gave a go ahead that this little piglet is all ready for solids.

Will continue to post more tips in my other posts!

Comments

Facial Treatment at Miracle Aesthetic Clinic (Kemang, Jakarta)

I am sure those who frequent Kemang will not fail to see the big white building with a huge signage- Miracle Aesthetic Clinic. For those who follow my blog, you will know that I am always on a lookout for a nice spa or beauty/facial places. Just as I was about to check out the clinic, Miracle Aesthetic Clinic dropped me a note to try out their treatments; great timing isn't it? :) Many of us will probably be very skeptical about trying aesthetic treatments in Jakarta or anywhere in Indonesia, after all Jakarta is not famous like Bangkok for beauty treatments. So on the Saturday before I left Jakarta for our holiday, I dragged Hubby G with me to check out Miracle Aesthetic Clinic. They offered a consultation before trying any treatments including facial. I met one of the aesthetic doctors and she took me through the list of available treatments the clinic offers- Botox, Fillers, IPL, Facial, etc. As usual, the cynical me checked with the doctor if the products are legitimate and...

Buy and Eat Cheap Seafood in Jakarta: Everfresh Seafood

Alright I've already shared the other day on where you can get cheap and good imported meat ( read post here if you have not). Now I'll complete the meat loop and share where you can get great and fresh seafood in Jakarta without damage to your wallets! You'd have to check out Everfresh Seafood. Sounds cheesy? I know right..but who cares when you can finally stop buying old stale fish from the supermarkets in Jakarta or stop being ripped off at 'Bule' stores. You will probably need a good driver and sharp eyes to spot the place. Very inconspicuously hidden. An array of fish and other seafood. You can pick your seafood, how you want it cooked and they'll cook it on the spot! When you enter the place, you will notice that there's mostly locals, which is a very good sign that the price will not send you a panic attack. Besides the seafood on display(as shown above), there's also aquariums keeping the live fish and prawns which you can...

Third Trimester: Pregnant Working Mom

PREGNANCY GLOW? SERIOUSLY... I think media has painted such an unrealistic expectation of pregnancy. Perhaps I should be thankful or grateful that I have been getting quite a number of compliments on how well I look during my pregnancy. However that doesn't ease any of the numerous discomfort that I am feeling. Once my back was aching so much and I was in so much misery that even a compliment from my big boss makes me feel like throwing a pan at him. I know he's just trying to be sweet and cheer up this grouchy pregnant lady's day..ah well.. when a pregger feels bad, she's all grumpy. Pregnancy changed my entire perspective on women or rather mothers and also increased my respect/admiration for pregnant working moms. I am currently at my 34 weeks, still working however finding it gradually tougher to last past half the day. I am definitely looking forward to my maternity leave in three weeks' time. I really wonder how some women managed to work all the ...

Mummynista!

Search This Blog