http://www.sweetestmoments.com.sg
: Wedding Anniversary :
:: Our Precious Evangeline ::
Monday, December 22, 2008
Evangeline's full month celebration
It's Evangeline's full month! However, we decided not to hold any celebration as there were too many ppl to invite. It just happened that Hubby's Auntie was holding her housewarming party on the 20th Dec so we were honoured when she invited us to celebrate Evan's one month old with her. Too bad, we forgotten to bring our camera along so no photos of the occasion. Will try to get it from Hubb's Auntie when we meet her up someday. Meanwhile, I still ordered my full month cakes from a fantastic caterer Sweetest Moments. Here is the card they did for us. So sweet!
http://www.sweetestmoments.com.sg
http://www.sweetestmoments.com.sg
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Breastfeeding was challenging!
20 Nov 08 (1am to 6am)
Breastfeeding was tough. Milk supply has not set in, Evangeline was not latching properly. I was quite unhappy with the night shift nurses as they did not teach me how to breastfeed Evangeline. I was really feeling down and felt helpless when I tried for the first half an hour to latch her onto my breast but to no avail. In the end, she was pushed back to the nursery with no feed at all. I was on total breastfeed then and refused to introduce formula and bottle feeding. I was determined to try again the next feed. Still, tried for the whole of 1st night, Evangeline was still biting onto my nipples. I was really crying then to see such little one having no milk to drink. Fortunately, I was told that babies do have reserve for the lst 3 days. So, I was encouraged by the morning shift nurses to try again.
20 Nov 08 (8am till 11pm)
The morning shift nurses were very helpful, patient and taught me the techniques of breastfeeding Evangeline. As Evangeline is so small and sleepy, she had problems opening her mouth big and wide and was always in dreamland. It was so tough to wake her up thus most of the feeds failed again. I called for lactation consultant for help. Two midwives, one lactation consultant and Mrs Wong came in at different parts of the day to see me and the condition of my breast. Nipples were sore then and again, they showed me the ropes of latching correctly. I really screamed for help each time Evangeline latches on, she was really biting hard and I guessed it was due to hunger. I was praying hard. At about 5pm, my nipples bled. I really broke down again and called Mrs WOng for advise to see if I should continue latching Evangeline. The advise given was to continue as the sore nipples would soon go away. Perseverance is the key to success.
21 Nov ( Midnight to 7am)
To my horror, the same group of nurses for the night shift again. Same kind of services shown. Super Bo Chap attitude and they even suggested me to just put her on formula since Evangeline was so sleepy and I failed so many times. I just told them off firmly that I insisted on total breastfeeding. How I wished my hubby was there then.
21 Nov (8am - 12 noon)
Finally, I can be discharged and was so excited to bring baby home. However, I needed to go back to my place to pack my luggage bag for my one month stay at my Mum's place. Got a Snuggle Nest bed for Evangeline to sleep from one of the shops at TMC.
21 Nov night - 23 Nov
These three days were challenging for me. milk supply is super low. Only manage to express 40ml from 2 breasts. Baby does not seem to have enough. Nipples continue to bleed and sore. In the end, I cried again cause she is crying for milk and my sore nipples couldn't meet her request. Thus I ended opening Similac formula milk for her to drink. She drank up to 60ml. I resorted to bottle feeding formula milk for two days and decided to see Mrs Wong for help on latching.
24 Nov
Hubby and I brought Evangeline to see PD for follow up and detected she has mild jaundice. Not too bad, just needed some sun tanning. However, Evan's weight dropped from 2.56kg to 2.3kg. My heart just sank and tears just welled up. Then went to see Mrs Wong and got the latching problem settled. So went home to try again and still feel extreme pain but I bit my lips and persevere. Now I totally understand the sacrificial love of a mother's heart. Mrs Wong encouraged me to stop bottle feeding and formula milk and try to feed expressed breast milk through a cup. Fortunately, Evan took cup feeding well. Everybody was so amused at how she drank through a cup. She sucked so loudly as if to tell us how tasty her milk was. I felt relieved that she was drinking well.
25 Nov till now
I am thankful to God that she has latched on properly now though sometimes, I failed again. Milk supply is plentiful that I keep having engorgement and need to pump frequently. She sleeps well during the day and wakes up timely every 3 hours for feeds. However, when it comes to night time, she couldn't sleep well, keeps making grunting noises and wakes up every hour for feeds. HUbby and I are really drained having to wake up so many times to attend to her. Brought her to see PD yesterday and found out she has blocked nose and mucus which I was prescribed nasal drops for Evan. Hubby and I really prayed hard and may you all joined me in prayer for her that she will be able to sleep well at night without breathing difficulties and not be fretful so as to sleep peacefully and calmly like her day naps.
Current Mood: Drained and tired.
Breastfeeding was tough. Milk supply has not set in, Evangeline was not latching properly. I was quite unhappy with the night shift nurses as they did not teach me how to breastfeed Evangeline. I was really feeling down and felt helpless when I tried for the first half an hour to latch her onto my breast but to no avail. In the end, she was pushed back to the nursery with no feed at all. I was on total breastfeed then and refused to introduce formula and bottle feeding. I was determined to try again the next feed. Still, tried for the whole of 1st night, Evangeline was still biting onto my nipples. I was really crying then to see such little one having no milk to drink. Fortunately, I was told that babies do have reserve for the lst 3 days. So, I was encouraged by the morning shift nurses to try again.
20 Nov 08 (8am till 11pm)
The morning shift nurses were very helpful, patient and taught me the techniques of breastfeeding Evangeline. As Evangeline is so small and sleepy, she had problems opening her mouth big and wide and was always in dreamland. It was so tough to wake her up thus most of the feeds failed again. I called for lactation consultant for help. Two midwives, one lactation consultant and Mrs Wong came in at different parts of the day to see me and the condition of my breast. Nipples were sore then and again, they showed me the ropes of latching correctly. I really screamed for help each time Evangeline latches on, she was really biting hard and I guessed it was due to hunger. I was praying hard. At about 5pm, my nipples bled. I really broke down again and called Mrs WOng for advise to see if I should continue latching Evangeline. The advise given was to continue as the sore nipples would soon go away. Perseverance is the key to success.
21 Nov ( Midnight to 7am)
To my horror, the same group of nurses for the night shift again. Same kind of services shown. Super Bo Chap attitude and they even suggested me to just put her on formula since Evangeline was so sleepy and I failed so many times. I just told them off firmly that I insisted on total breastfeeding. How I wished my hubby was there then.
21 Nov (8am - 12 noon)
Finally, I can be discharged and was so excited to bring baby home. However, I needed to go back to my place to pack my luggage bag for my one month stay at my Mum's place. Got a Snuggle Nest bed for Evangeline to sleep from one of the shops at TMC.
21 Nov night - 23 Nov
These three days were challenging for me. milk supply is super low. Only manage to express 40ml from 2 breasts. Baby does not seem to have enough. Nipples continue to bleed and sore. In the end, I cried again cause she is crying for milk and my sore nipples couldn't meet her request. Thus I ended opening Similac formula milk for her to drink. She drank up to 60ml. I resorted to bottle feeding formula milk for two days and decided to see Mrs Wong for help on latching.
24 Nov
Hubby and I brought Evangeline to see PD for follow up and detected she has mild jaundice. Not too bad, just needed some sun tanning. However, Evan's weight dropped from 2.56kg to 2.3kg. My heart just sank and tears just welled up. Then went to see Mrs Wong and got the latching problem settled. So went home to try again and still feel extreme pain but I bit my lips and persevere. Now I totally understand the sacrificial love of a mother's heart. Mrs Wong encouraged me to stop bottle feeding and formula milk and try to feed expressed breast milk through a cup. Fortunately, Evan took cup feeding well. Everybody was so amused at how she drank through a cup. She sucked so loudly as if to tell us how tasty her milk was. I felt relieved that she was drinking well.
25 Nov till now
I am thankful to God that she has latched on properly now though sometimes, I failed again. Milk supply is plentiful that I keep having engorgement and need to pump frequently. She sleeps well during the day and wakes up timely every 3 hours for feeds. However, when it comes to night time, she couldn't sleep well, keeps making grunting noises and wakes up every hour for feeds. HUbby and I are really drained having to wake up so many times to attend to her. Brought her to see PD yesterday and found out she has blocked nose and mucus which I was prescribed nasal drops for Evan. Hubby and I really prayed hard and may you all joined me in prayer for her that she will be able to sleep well at night without breathing difficulties and not be fretful so as to sleep peacefully and calmly like her day naps.
Current Mood: Drained and tired.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
My Birth Story!
Thanks so much for all your prayers and indeed God is gracious and faithful. My birth story is such a great testimony on how much God cares and loves us and He is faithful.
19 Nov 2008
1.30pm - Called Doc A and told him about baby Evangeline not kicking much for the past one and a half day. I thought it was nothing serious and maybe just needed to take a trip down to the clinic for check up but Doc A wanted me to admit to the hospital immediately. It was so sudden. Hospital bag and luggage for my one month confinement at my Mum's place were not packed and I was only in my 37 weeks of gestation. Rushed to pack hospital bag first and bathe. I was feeling very anxious and afraid.
2.00pm - Left home and on the way to hospital. Pray with Hubby and even joke with him that we will be back home after check up. It was just a normal procedure. Trying to calm myself with that excuse.
2.30pm - Put on CTG to monitor Baby's heartbeat. Doc A came and did a VE. Was 2 cm dilated. Doc cautioned me not to delay and advised me to deliver on that day. I was shocked and not expecting to deliver so soon. I was stunned and speechless. Hubby was lost too. Doc and nurses persuaded me to give birth that day as Baby was already not kicking much and this could lead to the possibility of baby dying in the womb. Before I could answer them, Doc did another VE and broke my waterbag.
2.45pm - Nurse inserted some solution into anus to help me clear my bowel.
3.00pm - I was put on drip.
3.25pm - First contraction set in. Still bearable.
5.00pm - Couldn't bear the pain anymore. Ask for Epidual. Was put on gas while waiting for the anesthetist to come.
5.30pm - Epidual injected. Felt instant relief. Able to laugh, chat and relax. But still 2 cm dilated.
7pm - Nurse did a VE and I was 9cm dilated. That was pretty fast.
7.45pm - 9.5 cm dilated. Doc was called in to prepare me for labour.
8.04 - Doc came in and everybody in that delivery room got me ready to give my first push.
8.05 - With only one push, Baby Evangeline was out! in less than a minute. Praise the Lord for smooth delivery.
When Evangeline was brought before me, I couldn't help but questioned why she was so small. I kept asking Doc if she is healthy, whether her size and weight is acceptable. Doc assured me that she is alright. Hubby was overjoyed and immediately all attention was on Evangeline..Ha Ha...
Doc stitched me up and I was pushed to my ward. Super hungry as I did not have any lunch and dinner. I was only allowed a cup of milo and sandwich as supper. Evangeline could only be pushed to me for breastfeeding at about 1am. Hubby has to go home to try to finish up his last paper which was due on Friday and due to this sudden and unexpected arrival of Evangeline, I guessed he may have problem completing it. Hopefully, God's grace is with him.
Some pics to share!
This is how big my tum tum is when I was 37 weeks in gestation. I remember the date was 15 Nov. 4 Days before the birth of Evangeline.
Baby Evangeline in my arms
Evangeline's weight
Evangeline Birth Details
Who is staring at me?
Current Mood: Overjoyed
19 Nov 2008
1.30pm - Called Doc A and told him about baby Evangeline not kicking much for the past one and a half day. I thought it was nothing serious and maybe just needed to take a trip down to the clinic for check up but Doc A wanted me to admit to the hospital immediately. It was so sudden. Hospital bag and luggage for my one month confinement at my Mum's place were not packed and I was only in my 37 weeks of gestation. Rushed to pack hospital bag first and bathe. I was feeling very anxious and afraid.
2.00pm - Left home and on the way to hospital. Pray with Hubby and even joke with him that we will be back home after check up. It was just a normal procedure. Trying to calm myself with that excuse.
2.30pm - Put on CTG to monitor Baby's heartbeat. Doc A came and did a VE. Was 2 cm dilated. Doc cautioned me not to delay and advised me to deliver on that day. I was shocked and not expecting to deliver so soon. I was stunned and speechless. Hubby was lost too. Doc and nurses persuaded me to give birth that day as Baby was already not kicking much and this could lead to the possibility of baby dying in the womb. Before I could answer them, Doc did another VE and broke my waterbag.
2.45pm - Nurse inserted some solution into anus to help me clear my bowel.
3.00pm - I was put on drip.
3.25pm - First contraction set in. Still bearable.
5.00pm - Couldn't bear the pain anymore. Ask for Epidual. Was put on gas while waiting for the anesthetist to come.
5.30pm - Epidual injected. Felt instant relief. Able to laugh, chat and relax. But still 2 cm dilated.
7pm - Nurse did a VE and I was 9cm dilated. That was pretty fast.
7.45pm - 9.5 cm dilated. Doc was called in to prepare me for labour.
8.04 - Doc came in and everybody in that delivery room got me ready to give my first push.
8.05 - With only one push, Baby Evangeline was out! in less than a minute. Praise the Lord for smooth delivery.
When Evangeline was brought before me, I couldn't help but questioned why she was so small. I kept asking Doc if she is healthy, whether her size and weight is acceptable. Doc assured me that she is alright. Hubby was overjoyed and immediately all attention was on Evangeline..Ha Ha...
Doc stitched me up and I was pushed to my ward. Super hungry as I did not have any lunch and dinner. I was only allowed a cup of milo and sandwich as supper. Evangeline could only be pushed to me for breastfeeding at about 1am. Hubby has to go home to try to finish up his last paper which was due on Friday and due to this sudden and unexpected arrival of Evangeline, I guessed he may have problem completing it. Hopefully, God's grace is with him.
Some pics to share!
This is how big my tum tum is when I was 37 weeks in gestation. I remember the date was 15 Nov. 4 Days before the birth of Evangeline.
Baby Evangeline in my arms
Evangeline's weight
Evangeline Birth Details
Who is staring at me?
Current Mood: Overjoyed
Friday, November 14, 2008
Bad Timing..Praying for full recovery
Yesterday, I managed to get some errands done and a visit to my Gynae. Baby is doing fine except no weight gain since 2 weeks ago. Still 2.7kg yesterday and I was kinda worried. As for me, I gained another 2 kg and I wonder why none of it went to Evan. Ahhhhhhh! This is my 37th week and Evangeline has engaged. Doc A told me to be prepared as Evan might pop anytime from next week onwards. I am super anxious. Hubby still has one more paper to complete and have told him to try to finish as soon as possible in case of unexpected arrival of Evan.
But for now, I am more concern about my flu and cough. It is getting worse and have problem sleeping at night due to backflow of mucus. Praying for full recovering if not, it will be tough during delivery. I wouldn't want to sneeze and cough my baby and stitches out.
Mr Sun, Do be available for the next two weeks as I desperately need your rays to dry my last bit of laundry.
Talk about sleep...medication is setting in and it's ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz time.
Current Mood: Sick
But for now, I am more concern about my flu and cough. It is getting worse and have problem sleeping at night due to backflow of mucus. Praying for full recovering if not, it will be tough during delivery. I wouldn't want to sneeze and cough my baby and stitches out.
Mr Sun, Do be available for the next two weeks as I desperately need your rays to dry my last bit of laundry.
Talk about sleep...medication is setting in and it's ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz time.
Current Mood: Sick
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I needed a rest.....
Yes, I know, I have not packed my hospital bag, am terribly sick with a flu and cough, struggling to finish the last bits of preparation before Evangeline arrives and fretting over Hubby's burnt out state.
Arghhhhh....I really need rest, a push to pack my stuff and a space of my own to be refreshed. These 9 months were really hectic and cannot imagine how I managed to survive from all these roller coaster rides on my own. If not for God's help, I think I will be suffering from pre natal blues.
Right now, I have to get the last few errands done before I can rest my mind. The old baby cot at my mum's place gave way last week and now the baby will have no bed to sleep in during my confinement. Hub and I decided not to waste $$$ on a new cot as baby will only be there for a month. The playpen which was handed down by one of the cousins couldn't work when we tried to fix it up as the handles on both sides were unable to be locked in place as it was spoilt. Therefore that option was out as well. So now, Hub and I were thinking of checking out a Moses basket which is cheaper than the above two and hopefully, Evangeline can sleep better during that one month.
Somehow, I regretted the idea of moving to my mum's place for a month for confinement as it was such hassle moving so many items over there. Boxes of baby items, daily necessities, toiletries, both of mine and Hub's clothing etc etc were finally moved over last week. It caused so much time, energy and inconvenience from us. I will have to reconsider such arrangement when I have my No. 2 next time.
Meanwhile, I am waiting for Hub to finish his assignment so that we could have a time out from all these stress and checking out on Evangeline's progress tonight with Dr A. Hopefully, we will be hearing some good news from him. 2 more weeks to go!
Current Mood: Drained.
Arghhhhh....I really need rest, a push to pack my stuff and a space of my own to be refreshed. These 9 months were really hectic and cannot imagine how I managed to survive from all these roller coaster rides on my own. If not for God's help, I think I will be suffering from pre natal blues.
Right now, I have to get the last few errands done before I can rest my mind. The old baby cot at my mum's place gave way last week and now the baby will have no bed to sleep in during my confinement. Hub and I decided not to waste $$$ on a new cot as baby will only be there for a month. The playpen which was handed down by one of the cousins couldn't work when we tried to fix it up as the handles on both sides were unable to be locked in place as it was spoilt. Therefore that option was out as well. So now, Hub and I were thinking of checking out a Moses basket which is cheaper than the above two and hopefully, Evangeline can sleep better during that one month.
Somehow, I regretted the idea of moving to my mum's place for a month for confinement as it was such hassle moving so many items over there. Boxes of baby items, daily necessities, toiletries, both of mine and Hub's clothing etc etc were finally moved over last week. It caused so much time, energy and inconvenience from us. I will have to reconsider such arrangement when I have my No. 2 next time.
Meanwhile, I am waiting for Hub to finish his assignment so that we could have a time out from all these stress and checking out on Evangeline's progress tonight with Dr A. Hopefully, we will be hearing some good news from him. 2 more weeks to go!
Current Mood: Drained.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Nesting Instinct
Talk about getting ready for Evangeline's arrival, I am suffering from a nesting instinct syndrome. Sounds wierd but I learnt about this from a pregnancy book and couldn't believe that all these while, I am displaying signs of such syndrome. Even hubby agreed after reading the book.
It is actually the uncontrollable urge to ready the nest before delivery. For some mothers, they will all of a sudden find it important to clean every corner of the house, cabinets, rearranging furnitures and items in the house. For others, the behaviour can be dramatic like cleaning every crevice of the nursery with toothbrush, rearranging the contents of the kitchen cabinets, ironing and washing everything that isn't tied down or being worn and refolding baby clothes for hours on end.
Trust me, I am doing most of what was said above. Readying the nest is what I have been doing and Hubby is finding it worrisone as he would tell me to rest and I would ignore his concern. After which I would complain to him how tired I am but I still find it satisfying and rewarding when the place is clean and neat and ready for Evangeline to use. Okie, just treat it as house cleaning for the coming New Year!
So have I finished my nesting instinct assignment? Nope...still cleaning here and there, packing here and there but lesser now as my energy is depleting as the day passes. My big tummy, weariness and back pain have been obstructing me from doing work. With frequent Braxton Hicks acting up, I have a strong feeling that I will be popping my baby soon. Still, hospital bag, things to bring over to my Mum's place for confinement are not packed yet. I better get it done soon, if not, I will not have a peace of mind.
Can't wait to carry and play with Evangeline in my arms. Hubby couldn't wait too to caress and hug his precious daughter. So Evangeline, be good, stay healthy till week 37 and after Daddy's exams before you pop into this world k!
Current Mood: Sleepy and Exhausted
It is actually the uncontrollable urge to ready the nest before delivery. For some mothers, they will all of a sudden find it important to clean every corner of the house, cabinets, rearranging furnitures and items in the house. For others, the behaviour can be dramatic like cleaning every crevice of the nursery with toothbrush, rearranging the contents of the kitchen cabinets, ironing and washing everything that isn't tied down or being worn and refolding baby clothes for hours on end.
Trust me, I am doing most of what was said above. Readying the nest is what I have been doing and Hubby is finding it worrisone as he would tell me to rest and I would ignore his concern. After which I would complain to him how tired I am but I still find it satisfying and rewarding when the place is clean and neat and ready for Evangeline to use. Okie, just treat it as house cleaning for the coming New Year!
So have I finished my nesting instinct assignment? Nope...still cleaning here and there, packing here and there but lesser now as my energy is depleting as the day passes. My big tummy, weariness and back pain have been obstructing me from doing work. With frequent Braxton Hicks acting up, I have a strong feeling that I will be popping my baby soon. Still, hospital bag, things to bring over to my Mum's place for confinement are not packed yet. I better get it done soon, if not, I will not have a peace of mind.
Can't wait to carry and play with Evangeline in my arms. Hubby couldn't wait too to caress and hug his precious daughter. So Evangeline, be good, stay healthy till week 37 and after Daddy's exams before you pop into this world k!
Current Mood: Sleepy and Exhausted
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
