4.8.17

Traditional Weaning VS Baby Led Weaning


I have two boys, aged 4 and 1.
When my eldest was ready for solid food, he was traditionally weaned, purees and spoon-fed weaning.
While for my younger, I adopt baby led weaning approach for him. 
The most asked question I got regarding both my boys' food journey is do I prefer TW or BLW. 
I'm taking some time to pen down my thoughts and views ;)

My eldest was spoon-fed, started with purees, he was introduced to a variety of different food, mixed puree combo which is loaded with nutrients, and he loved eating. He was slowly progressed to mashed/chopped texture food over the next few months, and started to introduce some finger food to him. If i remember correctly he hardly have difficult time with eating when he was young. It was when he turned 2 years old, and we wanted him to self-feed, and there the headache came. He would take forever to swallow his food, not wanting to scoop and eat, not wanting to eat this and that, every meal time is a battlefield with him. Really sick of those yelling and threatening so that he eats, properly. 

I wasn't aware of baby led weaning during my eldest time, the word "baby-led-weaning" was only came to me after a few month I'd introduced solid food to him. My understanding of baby led weaning back then was as simple as it implies - a kid feeding himself, never did i know that the real meaning behind it. I knew that if i have a no.2, i would like to start him with baby led weaning after hearing all the goodness of blw and how well a child can eat. And there come baby no.2, i started to do some research to prepare myself better. And now it's been a year since my younger adopt blw and he is doing good. Nevertheless there are sweats and tears along the way but it is all worth it.

(Julius at 6m, first food is avocado puree) 

My thoughts on traditional weaning, it is easier to prepare the iron-rich or other nutrients-rich food for baby, LESS messy than baby led weaning, more suited to feeding on the go, easier for parents who worried about choking and gagging, and you are making sure your kid has a full meal. However, your kid might be "lazy" to feed himself as he is used to spoon-fed, not concentrating when he eats, tend to walk here and there (my eldest still do), and you gotta spend alot of time to instill the correct eating habit and teach him to eat properly. He would be gagging a lot when he started to eat textured food, because he is used to swallowing his puree, so when he tried to swallow textured food he would gag.

(Jayzee at 6m, first food is avocado slice)

As for baby led weaning, there is no purees or mashed food, baby is not spoon-fed, he chooses what to eat, how much to eat and eat at his own pace. For parents who chooses to use blw approach, have to have strong heart. When he was first introduced to solid food, and every single time when he eats, i gotta watch him like a hawk in fear that he might choke, the gagging at the beginning part always give me the heart attack. I have been watching the choke first-aid video for the N times and still feeling paranoid. Gagging is part of the process, as opposed to traditional weaning, they learn to chew first before swallowing it. And a lot of time i actually feel like giving up and just want to spoon feed my younger, as he is not eating. He'd munch a few bites and then stop, the sight of him losing weight is just so demotivating. Plus the mess, and the clean-ups, it is no kidding.

And then again, i tried to be persistent and remind myself of the principles of blw, just baby-led. If he doesn't want to eat, it could means that he is full or he doesn't feel like eating. Milk is his primary food, while solid food is supplementary in first year of life. I tried to increase his meal time frequency, giving him more chance to practice eating, and having meals with us adult. It takes time see his progress and his loves for food. And now he can sit and scoop and eat properly. When he is done, he will let you know he is full. No forcing to eat, no coaxing, just let him eat at his own pace.



So i think the difference for both approaches is: TW is hard work later; BLW is hard work first. Your choice. A lot of time i received message like "i want to let my baby eat like your son, what should i feed him first? can i feed him apple first" etc etc, when messages like this sent to my inbox for the tenth times, that actually frustrates me, cos obviously people just follow suit without doing much research. Feeding baby without knowledge is dangerous (apple is high choking risk food).There are lots of different approaches to weaning, what is right for one family, won’t necessarily suit another. And important point is, irregardless of which method you use, do some research first before feeding baby, equip yourself with knowledge and be comfortable with your choice of feeding.  


The more I do BLW the more I feel it is the natural way to feed a baby, baby actually taste and see the real "food", carrot looks like carrot, broccoli looks like broccoli, not a bowl of... puree :) and he is so happy to explore different texture with his hands, it gives senses of independence too. Due to him always picking up his food, my younger' fine motor skill is much better than the brother. If given another chance, I would still do baby led weaning, despite all the mess, heart attacks and frustrations :) 

1.3.17

My Breastfeeding Journey

When others see my freezer full of milk they often ask what's my secret. 


I do not know which exactly is my secret so I will be sharing on what I did and still doing to ensure that I succeed in breastfeeding. Nonetheless, perseverance is one of the key. 

A little bit history and background profile on my breastfeeding journey. My first boy, i breastfed him up to two years old. Fully breastfeed till 21 months, then supplement with 1X fresh milk in a day, and continue to breastfeed until I was pregnant with my baby no.2 when my eldest was 25th month. And for my no.2, I have been fully breastfeeding him until now, he is going to 14 months. 


Breastfeeding my first boy wasn't really a pleasant one. Before I delivered my boy, I had this impression what's so difficult about breastfeeding, just nurse from the boobs. Never had I thought of the horror stuff behind it: engorgement, crack nipples, feeding round the clock, pumping consistently, lumps, sleepless night etc. As if being a first time mom isn't challenge enough, breastfeeding is making it more a lot more overwhelming.

I started pumping after one week of my delivery, when my breasts were so engorged and I had to empty it before I have blocked ducts. First time breastfeeding, I had not have a full 6 hours one stretch sleep in the first 6 months. I woke up every 3-4 hours to pump diligently. My first pump yield this 5oz.


That's a lot, they said. 

During my maternity leave, besides nursing directly I still pump to empty my breasts. If I remember correctly, my pumping schedule is every 4 hours round the clock. My supply built up and I had oversupply issue, I had to donate my milk out every two to three months. 300-400oz out every time. When my boy hit 6 months mark, I dragged it to every 6 hours gap and my supply started regulated then. 

After delivery of my no.2, I started pumping at day 3 post delivery, and pump only when I feel engorged. No midnight pumping as I'm nursing my little boy throughout the night. (Oh for my first boy, I slept train him when he was 3 months old, so he skipped his midnight feed around that age, and I still pump every midnight to ensure I have sufficient supply)

Second time breastfeeding is a breeze. My supply regulated quite well and I didn't have all these ulcer, stone breast issues. After I got back to work force, I pump three times a day, morning before I go to work, lunch time once. And night time once. And my supply are enough for both my boys. 

(My highest record, 20 oz/session) 

No secrets, below are few points that I think would help in breastfeeding journey:

1. Nurse your baby. Pump. 
Baby's tongue is a powerful pump. Their suckling stimulate milk production. Having first breastfeeding experience, I know I wouldn't want to feed the freezer like I used to. I would suggest first time mother nurse the baby on demand. And if you are going back to work force and have to stock up, pump diligently every 4-5 hours. And wake up in the midnight to pump. The breastfeeding hormone is high during midnight and that's when you can stimulate more milk production. 

2. Invest a good pump 
Back then I used manual single pump, like I said, I thought breastfeeding was easy and didn't factor in the importance of a good pump. I was using this damn pump for one whole month and got really depressed every pumping session. I had to spend at least one hour each session to clear the boobs, wash the bottles, sterilise. And I have 5-6 session of pumping everyday, so you can imagine how depressing it is. So during confinement, I was researching which pump is good, get feedback from forum and friends on recommendation. I then got myself Medela Swing Maxi and it has been my best friend since then. 

3. Diet. Plenty of liquid. And calories.
I drink at least 3L of liquid daily. Drink one glass of water after each pumping session. Every morning after I wake up I gush down a glass of plain water + few drops of lemon juice. Been drinking this ever since I tried to conceive my first boy. I read from somewhere that it helps to alkaline the body. Try to drink water every hour. Don't wait until you feel thirsty. And i eat a lot, I guess every breastfeeding moms eat like a cow. I feel that when I'm full, as in I eat a lot rice, and meat, I can product more milk. Eat healthy and balanced meal. 

4. Other liquid. Supplements. 
Other than plain water, one of the drink that I  drink daily is red dates water. I usually just boil red dates + goji + longan + honey date (optional) for about 20 minutes at night and keep in thermos until next morning. And I drink soup every alternate day, often are black bean soup, chicken soup, ABC soup. One more thing, I love milo! I have nursing tea and nursing cocoa drink on standby. I prefer nursing cocoa drink than nursing tea. I love avocado milk too! As for supplements, I take oil (fish oil/coconut oil/sacha inchi oil), multivitamin, calcium and probiotic. 

5. Breast massage 
Before I gave birth to my first boy, I have friend told me that massage your breast in circular motion during shower time, it helps with milk production later. I did that and also shower it with alternate hot/cold water during shower time. Not sure if that contributed to my blessed supply. You may try ; ) 

6. No stress. Chill. And sleep more 
Stress is my bigger milk killer. When I'm tired and stressful, my production drop. So I'd just tell myself, whatever stress is no stress. My baby is utmost important. Stay calm and do one thing at a time. And I realised when I got a few hours of good sleep, I will have my supply back. I think mindset is important, don't be too extreme, take a deep breathe, just do whatever you can and within your control. 

Keep calm and breastfeed. Xoxo 

16.12.16

Review: 享悦产后护理中心&母婴用品店

妈咪我是超喜欢逛母婴店的。。只要有经过都会想进去绕一圈看看。逛了这家新开张的母婴用品店,这母婴用品店我还蛮喜欢。地方整洁舒适,很多产品都是店主妈咪精心挑选和用过觉得好用而引进的。那里还设置儿童play room(!)让宝宝玩乐,好让妈咪可以安心购物,好贴心!

一眼望去。全店优惠至12月尾。

大儿子看到这Hape火车轨道玩具系列应该会超开心疯掉。

Hape系列现有折扣。

店主妈咪介绍一些好用可是外面少见到的牌子。

Richell产品。

Skip hop产品。

这很可爱有没有。想买给儿子了。

店主妈咪也介绍这Organic disinfectant, 说方便好用。

喜欢piyo的朋友,这有多种产品选择。

Simba牌子在台湾很有名。

Suavinex产品。

现在很夯的UV steriliser. 

Organic beanie现有优惠。

妈咪我推荐这款哺乳内衣,很·好·穿!优惠期间价钱比外面便宜。买!

枕头。这doomoo枕好舒服!

知名挤奶器的优惠。

Play room! 

大宝最爱!

都是Hape的玩具。

形形色色不同的玩具,应该够很多小孩玩。

Best month母婴店是连接一家产后护理中心的。有听店主稍微介绍了他们家的产后护理中心(我没怀孕!)。这我觉得应该会是全马第一家五星级豪华版产后护理中心(其实我应该用月子酒店来形容会比较贴切恰当XD)。

店主妈咪之前有到台湾一趟去参观那里的产后护理中心也把他们的中心概念引进这里。让我们看图说故事。

这大厅有酒店的范儿。

大厅另一端有交谊厅让亲友歇息。

有严格的门禁管控,让产妇能拥有安心且隐私的环境。

VIP premier套房。

VIP premier 套房有个小厅,可让爸爸在那里安静工作。

普通套房。好像和酒店没两样。赞!

每个套房都有自己的浴室。而且水源还经过特定中央系统煮滚再过滤才输送到房间浴室。很多妈妈坐月子时都不能碰“生水”,这里能让坐月期间的妈咪随时能够安心使用煮开的水。

这是婴儿房,四面墙有三面都是以玻璃隔离。婴儿房坐落于整层月子房的中央。妈咪出房门外就可以看到宝宝了。而且每个宝宝都有自己的cctv对着。妈咪想看宝宝时看着网连视讯就看到了。

这是有发廊洗头的设备以及按摩服务。

看到这里有没有觉得很棒。其实还有更过设备妈咪可以询问中心了解更多。现代人都不打算生多小孩,怀孕生小孩已经很辛苦,月子期间应该要得到充分的休息和养身保健。所谓坐好月子,健康一辈子。妈咪入住享悦产后护理中心(Best Month Confinement Centre),吃方面,身体调理,宝宝,全都会被照顾得很妥当。被护理和服侍的那么周到,妈咪在月子期间可以得到很充分的休息。

想了解更多和询问配套可以联系:

15.12.16

Review: HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3775

The last time I owned a (bulky) printer was more than a decade ago and look how technology has advanced and got so user-friendly. Recently we got ourselves HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3775 which is the WorldSmallest InkJet All-in-One Printer!



This printer is designed to save space on your desk or work space. It is half the size but has all the features of a typical printer. Besides printing, the printer has scan and copy functionalities - and that's what all-in-one means. It's easy to pick up and take with you wherever you need to print.

 

(Comparing the size of the printer with my iPad)

Setting up a printer or any gadget isn't something that mommysheree likes to do. I'm a four-o-four when it comes to gadget. However I was told that setting up this printer is pretty easy and I decided to do it all by myself - with the minimal help from Mr Julius to press the power on button. Setting up is a breeze! 


(Complete step 1-4, install printer and connect to wifi, you are ready to print)

This device won’t add to the tangle of wires at the workplace as it supports wireless network connections and prints perfectly from wireless device via Wi-Fi direct. We could conveniently print files and photos from laptop, tablet or smartphone, wirelessly. Connection with PC or other devices could also be established through the USB port. 


This mini printer is not inferior in comparison to bigger devices with all the latest technology applied. Howeverthis little giant is more suitable for home based casual use. If you are running small home based business, this HP Deskjet would be a good buy. 


It is especially useful for mommy who likes to diy and craft, just surf the net and print any picture that you like. Besides, you can print activity sheet for the kids at anytime and anywhere. Let your child’s work shine with the world’s smallest inkjet all-in-one printer from HP. You can print photo using HP photo papers. However I haven't get the photo paper to try out yet. 

(Worksheet for Julius. Print directly from my phone) 

The HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3775 is present on the market in three eye-catching colors: Electric Blue, Cardinal Red and Sea Grass Green. It definitely makes a great gift for the Christmas celebrations so that you can capture and print happy memories during the holiday season. 


#HPDeskJetMY

 

9.11.16

Review: thinkbaby feeding set + GIVEAWAY

Mommy I have been exposed to a variety of baby feeding set, all the while I chose feeding set that are only BPA-free. Never did I know how a stainless steel feeding set can be a better and wiser choice for the little one, until I came across Thinkbaby complete BPA-free feeding set.

           (The boys are delighted!) 

Super delighted to be invited by TheJournie (http://www.thejournie.com) to review on this feeding set. Trying out new set is one thing (all women love kitchenware), on another hand is gaining knowledge on how a 304 food grade stainless steel is the best material when it comes to choosing baby feeding set. 

(Yay! New feeding set! Love the baby blue. Actually mommy wanted to choose the baby pink .... that shade of pink is so so nice...) 

The Complete BPA Free Feeding Set is ideal for your baby who has just made the transition to solid food. 

(Stacking games before meal time) 

Set includes: 
ஐ a bento box with airtight lid
ஐ a bowl with lid
ஐ a soup bowl with lid
ஐ a cup

        (Bento box - Leak proof test) 

(Low profile baby feeding bowl with lid, used as snack box for Julius) 

(High profile soup bowl with lid, both bowls' capacity is same)

(Prefect first cup and comes with handle that can clip onto bag straps)

Each piece is made from two shells comprising of a insulating non-toxic BPA free polypropylene casing which is a nice baby blue (or baby pink/light green/orange) and the inner bit is made from food-grade stainless steel. 
This product is designed in US and made in Korea.

(Two separable layers - outer insulating polypropylene layer; inner food grade stainless steel liner) 

What I love about it:
❣ First impression I love the bright and festive colour.



❣ It is sturdy and functional. Young baby tend to drop their bowl and you can have peace of mind that this sturdy piece won't break and scar your kid.

❣ They are not heavy at all so there won’t be extra weight to lug around. You can pack, carry or store foods for short trips with ease.

❣ Simplify work load. Steam baby's food in bowl and transfer directly to outer polypropylene casing. 


When I want to warm a cup of fresh milk for the big boy
       (The cup fits nicely to my warmer) 

(Place it back to outer case to prevent it from scalding my boy) 

         (The handle gives a good grip) 

❣ The perfect complete set for storing kid's food. Portion is just nice for baby.

❣ It is stainless steel and I love how easy it is to clean.

The thinkbaby feeding set is very attractive, it is much more sustainable then pure plastic options, even BPA-free plastic need to be replaced from time to time or once it is scratched. 

Choosing the right feeding material is essential for the little one. As their systems are still in a state of development they have very little defence against foreign chemicals. Thinkbaby products address the growing concern over toxic chemicals leaching from plastic baby products. 

         (Store snack for the little one) 

This set is good value for the money and I know we will get the most use out of them. And comparing to same range of product, it's pricing is very competitive and economic. I would recommend our dearest parents here to get a set for their weaning baby. A healthier lifestyle for the little one starts from us, the parents. 



GIVEAWAY time! Thanks to TheJournie for sponsoring a bento box for our friends here. 
To participate, please follow steps in our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/im.yapjulius). 


And all parents lovessss to go baby fair, TheJournie is participating in the upcoming TCE baby fair (24-27 November 2016), do drop by their booth to have a feel on thinkbaby products.