Confession of A New Mommy : Breastfeeding & Confinement Story

Confession of A New Mommy : Breastfeeding & Confinement Story

18 January 2019

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I have a really tough breastfeeding and confinement days.

I believe Allah is so fair and He doesn't give you a test that He knows you can't handle.

As everyone knows, I had a smooth pregnancy and delivery journey. Alhamdulillah. But I had a really tough breastfeeding and confinement journey. My I was really struggling with bonding and motherhood at first.

Breastfeeding

I thought breastfeeding was easy? Uhh, no one give me a warning how difficult it could be? I never saw my sisters struggling with breastfeeding before. I was so mentally unprepared! The milk won't came out at first, probably because I was so tired and there are a lot of people visited us on the first day, so we can't bond that well yet, since the baby was passed to others more instead of me. Future note, don't tell anyone you had delivery a baby until you feel a lot better. First child, no experience, I was so excited I texted almost every of my friends. And B texted his family and friends too 😂 BIG mistake.

I was so stress out because B and I wanted to fully breastfeed our baby. We don't even prepared with the bottle and formula milk. Thank God my mom, my sisters and my sisters in law help me a lot. They reaffirmed us that it is normal for the milk to come a bit later. My SIL bought the bottle and formula milk for the baby, because B still insist that the baby doesn't need a formula milk. He was afraid that the baby doesn't want my milk anymore. 

Alhamdulillah after the confinement lady came and give me massage, the milk started to flow out more. Alhamdulillah we stop formula milk immediately. 

But then the pain started. Baby doesn't know how to latch properly, my nipples crack, breast engorgement yada yada. Let just say I was having the most rough time of my life.

Confinement

I was so excited for confinement before the delivery, because I wanted to be pamper. 😂 Man I was wrong. I was so tired all the time. I don't get enough sleep. I don't get enough rest. No one told me it was going to be this hard! I thought delivery was the hardest part? No.

It was double the pain for me because my jahitan luka bersalin tercabut. I was supposed to recover within one week only, but I'm still in pain for at least 4 weeks! Fuhh Talked about this on my anniversary post. 

Thank God I have a very strong and supportive support system. B woke up every night to give B yo me when it's time for breastfeeding. He give bath and change diapers everytime he's at home. Mak and Ayah help give baby bath and change diaper until I'm fully recovered. Mak cook for me, pantang food but still delicious. How to lose weight? Urgh

The best part about confinement is when the confinement lady came. I get so excited to be pamper! And she is so nice and good!

I am so thankful for my family and friends visits. At least they cheer me up. I got so excited every time anyone of my friends visit. 

💡 MOMMY'S TIPS :

1. Announce your delivery after you get full rest and have time to bond with your baby. 2 weeks after delivery or after confinement. You won't feel guilty to stop people from visiting you.
2. Keep calm. Calm mommy, calm baby.
3. Nipple cream helps a lot. I used Madela Purelan and Frankincense Essential Oil.
4. Join breastfeeding community. I join one in Facebook, The Breastfeeding Advocates Network, TBAN. You will feel a lot better knowing that you're not alone and knowing that you're not the only one who feel like a loser. True story.
5. Sleeps when your baby sleeps.
6. Don't think about chores. Don't do chores.
7. Drink a lot of water. Have water bottle with you all the time. Breastfeeding is hard work.
8. Eat healthy for you to recover fast and for your milk booster.
9. Spend a lot of time with your baby. Bonding time.
10. Don't play phone while breastfeeding!
11. It's okay that you're not the one who bath your baby, who change their diapers at first. You need a lot of rest. Don't feel guilty.
12. Get helps! Your husband, your family or even your confinement lady.
13. Preparation before your delivery is IMPORTANT. I labelled all of my baby's drawers, cause I know B will ask me where did I put everything. I already label everything so it makes everything so easy! 
14. Enjoy the journey! 
15. IT WILL GET BETTER!

Alhamdulillah everything is better now. I can fully breastfeed Nafeesa, and she sleeps so well at night. She is so well behave and doesn't cry much. I can feel the bonding now. 💙

One thing I realized is that when I calm, she definitely calms too. So, calm mommy, calm baby. Happy mommy, happy baby. When I feel stress out, I will take a deep breath and try to calm myself because she will definitely cry if I feel stress out. That's how strong our bonding is I guess. 😂  Can't wait for you to grow and we can learn and play together! Hello bff. 💞

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The Labour Story 👶

The Labour Story 👶

11 January 2019

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Assalamualaikum and hye everyone! 

It's been more than 2 months since I gave birth to my first baby. So I guess it's time for me to share with you my labour story. I've been repeating the same story for more than 30 times now, to all my family and friends. 😂 Alhamdulillah it was quite fast and smooth, but still a little bit painful journey for me. I just feel so relieved and thankful that it was over now.

Friday's Night - 2nd November 2018

It's all started on the night before my labour day. I was just relaxing on my bed, scrolling down my social medias while B was playing his PS4. Suddenly I saw blood stain on my bed, I told B and he immediately freak out. 😂 It was so funny seeing how freak out he was. 


I took my shower, taking my time, still calm and relaxing.  And when I finished showering I realised that B was taking his shower in other bathroom, rushing, not calm at all. 😂
I went downstair, told my parents, and they asked whether my amniotic fluid's leaks. I said no. They calmly said just go to bed and go to the hospital the next morning. 😂

Saturday - 3rd November 2018


8am - Woke up early and went to find breakfast nearby hospital area. Found like pasar pagi, had a lot of foodstalls. I eat everything that I want because let's face it, I won't be able to eat any of them after my delivery. Kuey teow goreng, ayam tepung goreng, kuih-muih, etc.
Thank you so much to all of the hospital's staffs, midwife, nurses, doctor and houseman. They were very nice and supportive. Best walaupun tak ambil private wing pun, hospitality memang tip top la. Lagipun tak ramai orang pun dalam wad tu. Maybe sebab Sabtu 😂 It was very comfortable and the and the nurses were very helpful.

I asked Dr. Google whether I can still pray, and yes, I can still pray because it's not darah nifas.   

10am - You know, the hardest part of the delivery is actually when the doctor checking for the cervical dilation. Oh man, the pain was something else. Maybe my body was shocked. Contraction wasn't this bad! That's what I thought at first. 😂 It was 3 centimeters dilated, so I need to be warded. Thankfully it was weekend and the visiting hours was from 12pm - 7pm. So B was with me all the time. Just that... he was sleeping on my bed. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thank you, B. So I did my exercises, praying and calming myself,  preparing to see my baby.

3pm - Second time to check how many centimetres dilated. I was still very much traumatized from the first one. Oh God, the second time is still hurts really bad! To my disappointment, it was still 3 centimeters dilated! I thought it was already 7 centimeters or something. 😂 And this time around, the doctor (different doctor) was trying to open up the way. I don't know what she did, but I felt so much pain. I ended up crying really bad in the toilet. When I came back to my bed, my parents were already there. I can't control my tears and I cried some more. B was really worried, he hugged me and consoled me while my mom, being an asian mom said, "Memang la macam tu. Tahan je la." while playing her phone 😂 And then... the real contraction started to kick in. Man I was wrong about contraction and hypnobirthing whattt 🤷🏻‍♀️

Konon nak hypnobirthing la kan, tak sempat pergi kelas pun, sempat tengok youtube a few videos je. Podcast dekat iphone ingat nak dengar, tapi tak sempat. So macam okayh its all about your mind je ni. Lepas tu bila contraction betul-betul jadi, ha kelaut semua hypnobirthing kau. Mental lemah gila, terus tak ingat apa-apa. Hypnobirthing is also about breathing, ha breathing pun kelaut. Tak boleh jerit sebenarnya sebab buang tenaga, takde makna I jerit je dekat wad tu. Kacau patient lain pun tak ingat dah common courtesy ke apa. Nasib baik ada husband yang keep reminding me you can do it and count the breathing techniques together. Ok lepas ni kena pergi kelas hypnobirthing betul-betul, tengok mat saleh relax je. I can do it next time. Ok la for someone yang belajar sendiri dekat youtube je 😂

But I'm still glad I came prepared with some knowledge at least. Some is better than nothing. 😂 I struggled to have a relax calm and empowering delivery. I'm trying to learn whatever I knew, but when you're in pain, you don't remember anything. Thank God B was there supporting me all the way till the end. It was an ups and downs journey. Sometimes I'm strong, sometimes I just wanted to give up. I remembered how most of the time, I just wanted to give up. But I power through. 💪🏻 Alhamdulillah. Thanks to my husband for the support and for keep reminding me to breath in 4 and breath out 8.

6pm - The third check up was supposed to be on 7pm. But I was in so much pain. I screamed really bad I think the whole ward can hear me. 😂 I asked B to call for the doctor. But when the doctor came, I was really scared so I asked the doctor to wait. Me and B keep on walking in the ward for some exercise, and the doctor saw me in real pain. So the doctor asked whether I want to check now, I was like whatever, I'm in pain, let just do this quickly. 😂 Alhamdulillah it was 6 centimeters this time. And the doctor quickly want to break my amniotic fluid. I'm like, "What are you doing?" They asked me to relax and I can feel my amniotic fluids flows. I was immediately being taken to bed first, say bye bye to my parents and off to the labour room. Serius macam drama apa 😂

6.45pm - When I was pushed into the labour room, I was like, "Wow is this how it looks like? Nothing like television drama." 😂 The room was so small but comfy. That time I feel like I need to poop! 😂 Actually it was the baby. I keep on screaming. Thank God B was there supporting me, keep reminding me to breath in and breath out. The midwife gave me Entonox. "Entonox (gas and air) is a colourless, odourless gas made up of half oxygen and half nitrous oxide. It's also known as laughing gas. It can take the edge off labour pain." But honestly, I don't feel like it lessen my pain at all? 😂

The midwife keep on checking for the cervical dilation. Surprisingly, I no longer feel any pain like the first 3 time, when she checked for the dilation. It was first 7 centimeters. I feel like eternity waiting for the dilation and the doctor! And finally it was 9 centimeters, and the doctor arrived. When the doctor arrived she checked and it was 10 centimeters, she immediately asked me to push. I was like, "Huh? I can push now? Really?" 😂 I was so nervous but too tired to think. I'm not sure how many time I push. The midwide was very helpful and supportive. She reminded me not to waste my energy screaming my lung out. She keep on saying that how good I am, because I know how to push. Thank you. 🌸

7.28pm - Finally, alhamdulillah my baby's safely born. And she is healthy. And behave. And perfect. Alhamdulillah. Immediate skin to skin. I love this hospital, they did all the birth plan that I wanted eventhough I don't specifically ask for it. Then, I thought the hardest part was over. It wasn't over yet. Kena jahit pula dah. 😭 The midwife took my baby because I was restless. It was only 15 minutes skin to skin. She took the baby to weight her and gave to my husband to azan her. Sakit gila jahit adoi. 30 minit sejam juga la. Tapi rasa macam lamanyaaaaaa. Lepas habis jahit, sambung skin to skin and breastfeed.

9.30pm - Finally I can go back to the ward. Ayah kiss me, of course. While Mak just wanted to see the baby. 😂 Hello Mak, I'm here! I was the one who's in pain.

I'm glad that I'm having contraction in the evening, I have my husband's support. Kalau tengah malam sorang-sorang dalam wad lagi sedih. I dah la manja lembik semua 😂 Kesian tengok patient depan ni kena hadap contraction sorang-sorang malam tu.

And I kira laju la lepas masuk labour room terus beranak. Orang lain 12 jam la apa la. Alhamdulillah. Allah tolong. I really push my body like crazy, please cooperate with me. I'm just too tired. 😂

Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah for easing my pregnancy journey and labour journey. You always knows what's the best for me. 🌸 

Dear Nafeesa 👶, thank you for being so behave. Alhamdulillah you are healthy, behave and perfect. I love you already!  💙

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Newborn Photoshoot 📸

Newborn Photoshoot 📸

14 December 2018

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Salam and hello everyone!

One thing I forgot to include in my 20 List Of Things To Do Before Baby Arrives 👶 is to find a newborn photoshoot! Oh my God, how can I forgot! Well everyone has their own priority, photoshoot is one of mine. 😂If you knew me, you know how much I love photography, videos and photobooth. My top priorities in any events.

6 days after I deliver my baby, my sister reminded me to have a newborn photoshoot. The photoshoot is only suitable for newborn ages from 2-20 days. Some of them accept until day 14 only. Mind you, we actually have to book before the baby was born. But I totally forgot about it. Thank God after survey just two instagram, one of them actually have a slot for me on day 8. 

I'm in love with the photoshoot! They're so professional. They will come to your house and provide all the props. They even have free family portraiture. However, they only available on weekends or public holiday only. Check out their instagram, Mea Edie Pictures and Mea Edie Pictures Newborn. They even shoot for Nora Danish and Lan Kristal. 😛 I'm the same level as celebrities now guys. 😂

Here are some of the pictures.

I was in pain for the next two weeks because I was too active during the photoshoot. 😂 But it was worth it. 

May you grow up to be healthy and happy person precious. 

Love and kisses,

Mommy 💙

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Meet Our Precious! 💙👶

Meet Our Precious! 💙👶

12 December 2018

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Assalamualaikum & hye aunties and uncles! 🌸

My name is Nafeesa. My walid gave me that name. It means precious. Isn't it lovely? My mommy on the other hand wanted a different and longer names. But my walid ignore her. 🙄 Poor Mommy. I'm sure her chosen name is more lovely. It took Mommy awhile to finally accept my chosen name. 😂 It was indeed lovely.

Alhamdulillah, I'm 40 days old today. My born weight is 2.94 kg. Now I'm a healthy 4 kg!

I'm showered with so much love from the day I was born. Thank you for visiting me and for all the presents! 🎁 May Allah rewards each one of you, aunties and uncles. 💙 

This is my first appearance in my mommy's blog. I'm sure Mommy gonna let me be in here a lot more in the future. 😛

Please pray for my health and may I grow up to be a solehah and happy person! 

Lots of love,

Baby N 💙

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Birth Plan 🖊👶

Birth Plan 🖊👶

10 December 2018

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Assalamualaikum, hye guys!

Birth plan is a document that tells your doctor and the hospital staff how you'd like your labour and delivery to progress.

I deliver my baby at PPUKM. Since it is a semi-government hospital, I can't really choose my own birth plan. However, lucky for me, PPUKM already have their own specific birth plan which is kinda the same with what I wish to do in my labour room.

1. Immediate Skin to skin

2. Breastfeeding Immediately

3. Save placenta

4. No medication

I know that sometimes the best plans may fall through in the heat of moment. It is still good to come prepared. You can use one of these printable birth plans to outline your delivery 

1. The Bump Printable Birth Plan 
2. Just Mommies Birth Plan
3. Printable Birth Plan & bonus Hospital Bag checklist 
4. Babies Online Simple Birth Plan
5. Parent 24 6 Page Birth plan
6. BabyFit Online birth plan
7. BabyCenter Printable Birth Plan
8. March of Dimes 2 page Birth Plan
9. Earth Mama Angel Baby Birth Plan
10. Women’s Health Care Simple online birth plan
11. Mama Natural

For more information on how to make a birth plan - guide for Malaysia parents, visit The Asian Parent.

May you have a safe, smooth and fast delivery!

AS

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Welcoming Our Little Precious 👶

Welcoming Our Little Precious 👶

23 November 2018

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Alhamdulillah safely delivered a healthy baby girl on 3rd November 2018. 💙 I'm going to write my labour experience in my next post. For now, I just wanted to update my blog real quick.

Currently enjoying my confinement days while it last ✨Half way through it already 😭 I don’t want it to end. I want to be pampered all the time 😂

The first half of my confinement days were really painful and I was struggling really hard. 😭 I've been crying everyday since. Just get better a few days ago. I actually have planned out what I want to post this month but everything went haywire after I delivered my baby. Anyway, all is well now. Alhamdulillah for everything. 

Thank you Allah for easing my pregnancy journey and my labour journey. You always knows whats the best for me. Please ease my breastfeeding and motherhood journey.

Dear Precious, thank you for being so well-behave since you're in my womb. Alhamdulillah you are healthy, behave and perfect.

Unfortunately tho, I'm still in pain until now. Please pray for my speedy recovery! Until then, take care everyone! 🌸

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Is The Baby Out Yet? 👶

Is The Baby Out Yet? 👶

31 October 2018

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Today is actually my due date! I'm not sure what's gonna happened next. My doctor give me extra 9 days if I didn't deliver my baby today. This is just a random update. Might be awhile to start blogging again after this with my baby here.

Please pray that I have a smooth delivery and both of us will be in a good health. And may I have a happy and relaxing pantang days. 🌸 I can't wait to be pampered! 😂

Mic drop. Peace out. 💙

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Scavenger Hunt Surprise! 🕵🏻‍♀️

Scavenger Hunt Surprise! 🕵🏻‍♀️

19 October 2018

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Salam. Hye guys!

In my previous post, I gave B a New Dad Kit. So he decided to be more extra than me, #competitive 😂 and decided to give me a scavenger hunt surprise the next day.

It was after Isya prayer, which he insisted us to pray downstair instead of upstairs in our room. I was playing my phone before prayer and he was like, "Put down your phone!" I was like, "What? Why?" After prayer, he asked me to look at my instagram, and I found this:

I was like, "Ah sudah. Apa pula ni?"

He insisted me to wear my telekung after that. 😂 I was force to go upstairs and downstairs about three times! B, you realized that your wife is 9 months pregnant now? 🙄 #semput Btw, I was so slow and bimbo even though the clue was super easy! 😂 I'm not ready for a sudden hunt! I swear I'm better than this! 😂

The night ended with me eating ice cream, which one of the clue was inside the ice cream. And a map for the next morning. So much effort! I thought the ice cream was the last present. Because you know, he didn't allowed me to eat ice cream that much nowadays. I was so naive. 😂

 I have to water mom's orchids the next morning and I finally got my present! 🌸

Super excited!

By the time I was unboxing the present, I think I know what it is, and I'm right!

Air Diffuser and Essential Oils! 💙

I've been asking him for this since my early pregnancy! I always wanted one of this since I first saw it in Lavendaire's video. He gave me the best one, and a box of essential oils too!

Thank you husband for your effort. Always trying your best to fulfill whatever I want and always find a way to make it more special. 💙 May Allah bless you with lots of rezk and barakah in your life.

May everyone find a good spouse that will never stop making effort to us.

Take care,
AS

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Hypnobirthing 👶

Hypnobirthing 👶

17 October 2018

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Salam. Hello mommies to be! 💙 

Are you afraid to deliver your baby? Please don't. Before this, I always wonder how my mother, grandma and aunts have so many children and they all gave a normal birth each time. These were like 20 years ago without the advance technology we have today. But now that we are more advance in technology, we become more afraid of delivering birth. Why? Now that I think about it, it's all about our mind. There was no television at that time that showed birth as scary, traumatic and painful. We are just being fool by the televisions shows nowadays! 

I started to know about the term, hypnobirthing from the antenatal class that I went to 2 months ago. Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to go to the full classes of Hypnobirthing. So I have to learn through youtube and podcast. You should try to go to any Hypnobirthing class or learn about it online if you plan to have a positive birth. 

Anyway, two important keys of hypnobirthing that I can summarize here are positive mindset and breathing techniques. 

These are some of my favourites hypnobirthing videos and podcasts: 

1. The Power of Hypnobirthing | Bee Ting Ng | TEDxTARUC



2. HYPNOBIRTH TUTORIAL CLASS#1 Birth Like A Boss HYPNOBIRTHING SERIES



3. What is HypnoBirthing? - HypnoBirthing for Natural Pregnancy & Childbirth



4. How to Have a Balanced and Blissful Pregnancy and Childbirth Experience



5. For iPhone user, you can check out some podcast in your apple music, just search Hypnobirthing. 

Hope this help shine some light to you! May we all have a wonderful, relax, calming, and empowering delivery!

Love and prayers,

AS

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New Dad Kit 👨

New Dad Kit 👨

12 October 2018

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Salam. Hye guys!

Less than a month now till my due date. If you’re expecting a baby soon just like me, you know that a lot of the focus has been on the baby and you as the mom. A lot of times we get pampered and showered and the dad can pretty much feel left out. Things like planning for birth and shopping for baby things. This can sometimes be overwhelm for the dad. I know B does feel overwhelm! Especially because this is our first baby.

I want to make him feel special, ready and included for the birth too. I know he is way more nervous than me. I just want to show him that he is special and nothing's gonna change between us once the baby arrived. I want to let him know how much I appreciate him and the support he has given and will give me during labor by putting together a special kit for him. 

Tadaaa!

I get this cute tags from here. I always love making kit for someone. Not only was it fun for me to make, it was nice to be able to give him something special after he had given me something special.

A. THINGS TO PUT IN THE NEW DAD KIT

The kit doesn’t have to be extravagant! I originally got the idea from Pinterest, where I saw the funny ones that included gloves, goggles and earplugs, etc. I decided to take it in a little bit of a different direction and included a lot of his favorite things and a few essentials such as:

1. Nota Parenting Awesome by Dr Taufiq Razif
- To prepare him with parenting skills. Good luck!

2. The Tao Of Dad
- A book of dad's wisdom. Just because every dad has a wisdom right?

3. Milo
- His favourite drink! And for his energy.

4. Toilet Brush
- Just because we need a new one. 😂 And so he can brush away our baby poops!

5. Scratcher Stick
- So he can start scratch on his own.

6. Fragrance Bag
- Our room and car need to smells good once the baby arrives. 😂

7. Fan
- So he can fan me during contraction and labor.

8. Pods
- For his snacks and energy bar waiting for me to deliver our baby.

9. Masks
- He needs to be pampered too! Although he actually hates wearing mask. 😂

10. Colgate, toothbrush and shaver
- He need to look clean and smell fresh once the baby arrives!

11. Tissues
- For when he cries during my labor and the birth. He better cry!

12. Baby Wet Wipes
- When he need to clean the baby poops. Thanks in advance! 😛

13. Panadol
- For when he needs some pain relief or sleep because of the baby.

14. Baby 'superman' tshirt
- Our baby is a hero, just like him! 💙

15. Hand Sanitizer
- Gotta keep hygiene to hold the baby.

16. '5 Stars' Chocolates
- To remind him that he is a full stars to us.

17. A Basket
- I just put all of the items in a basket. Easy peasy! You could also use a bucket, storage bin, bag, etc.

18. A Letter
- Special letter for him cause I'm cheesy like that. 💙

B. HE LOVES IT 💙

I initially wanted to put the kit on our bed and surprise him once he get back from work. But he went back earlier than I was last Wednesday! He was playing PS4, so I just put the kit and said "Kenapa balik awal sangat? Tengok tak jadi surprise dah. Tadaa". Of course he stop playing immediately. 😂

He LOVED it, and was totally surprised. He can't stop being clingy after that. 😂 Needless to say, it was a huge hit! And guess what? He immediately surprise me with something else the next day. 😂 I will let you know the surprise on my next post. 💙

Love,
AS

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20 List Of Things To Do Before Baby Arrives 👶

20 List Of Things To Do Before Baby Arrives 👶

10 October 2018

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Salam and hye everyone! 

I'm in my last trimester, oh well, less than a month before my due date to be specific. Panic mood on? Nope! I'm excited for some reasons. I can't wait to meet you, my precious! Semoga semuanya dipermudahkan. Pray that both of us are in good health please. 👶

Since it is less than a month, I've must have already prepared everything right? Nope, to be honest, I haven't prepared anything yet. 😂 Sorry baby.

Anyway, I love to make list. I'm a list person. I currently use Wunderlist apps for my grocery lists, to-do lists, 2018 list, lists of things I want to buy, lists of things I want to make, book list, etc. So needless to say, I had a whole big list of things to do before my baby was born too!

Here are my 20 list of things to do before my delivery:

1. PREPARE LIST OF BABY-THINGS 📜

Since this is my first baby, of course I have to be more kiasu. I've made a list and categorize each for:

a) Hospital Bags

b) Baby Clothes

c) Baby Essential

d) Grooming (Toiletries)

e) Feeding

f) Laundry

g) Confinement

I will share more of these lists in my next post.

2. SHOPPING TIME 🛍

It's shopping time! Buy everything from the baby-things' list I stated above. Or in my case, I just take everything hand-me-downs from from my sister. 😂 I haven't done any shopping yet. Ahad lepas baru tanya Mak & Kakchik nak kena beli apa semua. And thank goodness I didn't have to buy a lot of things because my sister just pass down almost everything to me. She has two babies, and she's a shopaholics! Plus my mom used to sew a lot for my nephews and nieces. Thank you Allah!

3. WASH BABY'S CLOTHING, BEDDING, ETC 👕

Just wash everything from bedung to bengkung to baby clothes and cloth diapers, little mittens, booties and caps. I use this laundry detergent, Rockin Green Bare Naked Babies, because my mom told me so. We should wash anything that will go near our baby's skin to remove any irritants in the fabrics. The gentlest detergents are those designed for babies and those that are labeled hypoallergenic or good for sensitive skin, no fragrance and no fillers.

It actually was really fun to wash, dried, fold, and put away all of the tiny clothes. B and I went to dryer last Monday because it was raining the whole day, plus it is so hard to hang all the little booties and mittens, I might just put everything in the dryer. It’s just nice to have all of the clothes washed and put away in the drawer and bags before baby is born..

4. CLEAN MY ROOM 🛏

Have my room clean before the baby's arrival. Well, actually my room is upstairs. But during confinement day, I will stay in the guest room downstairs. It will feel great to come back to a tidy home, and I won't definitely have time or energy to clean while my baby's a newborn.

5. PACK BAGS FOR THE HOSPITAL 🛄

My nurse has been reminding me to pack my bags over and over again. I honestly haven't done yet cause I just gathered all the baby stuffs and washed everything last Monday. I'm going to pack everything this weekend. Since you never know when baby is going to come, the sooner the better with this one. I should pack a bag for me and a bag for baby.

I will make my hospital list on the next post.

6. ATTEND CLASSES AND EDUCATE MYSELF! 🕮

This is important as we need to be somewhat prepared before the baby arrives. I have attended maternity class before with B as I mentioned in my previous post. I wanted to go to breastfeeding class but the class was on the same day as my niece birthday party. Even though we only went to one, it was really helpful. I learned a lot of new things like hypnobirthing, making a birth plan, parenting tips, how to give baby a bath, breastfeeding tips, how to swaddle baby, and how to change a diaper. I should google, youtube and read more on each specific topics.

7. GET A BABY JOURNAL AND FOLDER 📘

I'm just gonna be more organize and put all the handouts, paperwork and information in one folder. 

I'm also a very much a journal person. Will venture more on this next.

8. CREATE A BIRTH PLAN 🖊

I'm not sure I can have a specific birth plan in government hospital, but I will try to ask my doctor for a few things I wish to do in my labour room.

More in my next post.

9. FIND INSURANCE FOR BABY

We haven't found yet. We are still trying to search the best insurance for baby.

10. HAVE A ME TIME 🛀💆

I want to get as much sleep as I can. I know that my sleeping life will forever changed once the baby comes. Now is the time to bank up on sleep as much as possible! B can't complain.

Block out some alone time doing what I love to do. I'm doing this pretty often now. I'm all all about self care.

11. TREAT MYSELF 💆💅

This is probably the most exciting part of pregnancy. Do something nice for myself. Indulging in a little prenatal massage, get a pedicure and manicure session, get my hair done, and eat everything that I want now! I deserve it. Pregnancy is hard work! Can't wait to get pampered!

12. HAVE A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT OR VIDEOSHOOT 📸

Not sure if I have time for this. But I have a photoshoot date with B at Floria and Islamic Art Museum Malaysia before. I can just consider that as my maternity shoot. 

13. GO ON A BABY MOON 🏖

My husband and I love to travel when we're single. We went for a few travel together after we got married, but since I'm easily get tired now, I just want a staycation for my baby moon. We need to incorporate a vacation before baby arrives. Hopefully a nice house for my staycation on a beach. Just a relax vacation, no more adventure at the moment. 

14. MAKE DADDY FEEL SPECIAL 👨

Since this is our first newborn, I decided to make my husband a "New Dad Kit", which I will explain more in my next post! I'm going to give him today!

15. PREPARE A THANK YOU CARD 🃢

Probably I'm gonna ask my husband to buy cakes or something for the nurses and doctors. And a thank you card. And yes, I know this is kind of silly, but it’s just a nice gesture. Those nurses work hard!

16. FIND BABY NAME INSPIRATION

I'm still searching for a good names. All I know is I want my baby's names to be only two words and start with A and R. And make sure the name have beautiful meanings.

17. PICK A BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

A birth announcement is a great way to introduce your newborn to your family and friends. You can either do something simple yourself by copying something on Pinterest or you can use a photo apps with premade layouts. I probably just gonna use Spark Post apps in my iPhone and just put the details once the baby's born. I won’t have to stress about picking a birth announcement after they’re born.

18. PREPARE FOR CONFINEMENT

Thank goodness I will have my confinement at my parents house. My mom will take care of me and my food. Alhamdulillah for my amazing mom. 😂 You need to prepare for your confinement food if you have your confinement on your own. And don't forget to book for confinement lady! I honestly can't wait for my confinement day, I want to be pampered!  😂

19. WRITE LETTER TO MY BABY 📜

Just because I'm a cheesy person. 😂

20. PRAY

Most importantly, make a lot of Doa to Allah and pray Solat Hajat. Just enjoy the moment and try to relax. Babies come when they are ready, and when they do, it is an incredible experience. InsyaAllah.


Please pray that I have a calm, relax, smooth and empowering delivery!

Love and prayers,
AS

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Calm Birth Calm Baby | Seminar

Calm Birth Calm Baby | Seminar

24 August 2018

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Salam everyone! 

Since I can't hide it anymore, I might just announce it, I'm pregnant! Alhamdulillah. It's a thrilling journey for both my husband and I. We are newbie to this. So we decided to go to maternity talk. We went to this talk because my friend, Mel helps organize this event. We were the first one to arrived. Excited much. 😁 It was fun and informative, but we were actually expecting more from it. As a new parents to be, we have no ideas how to handle birth and babies. 

💙 SOME OF THE GEMS 💙 

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