Natural Glow Booster During Pregnancy

Lustrous hair, rosy and radiant facial complexion and glowing skin are some of the plus things that every expectant mothers enjoy and wish to have them last forever.

Though these are gifts of pregnancy, we should also give our skin a natural boost of vitamins and minerals. Make it better and last longer, even post pregnancy.

Working mothers on the go face stress, UV-rays of the scorching hot sun outdoors, freezing cold air-con in the office and absorbing the harmful computer radiation. Over time, the skin turns dry, more oil generated, clogging pores, giving rise to acne and all related issues. Hence, it is important to keep the skin's moisture level balance.

A mist in the handbag or at the office is always a good choice. Small and convenient to use, a mist helps to prevent the surface layer of skin moist and dewy.

Personally, I highly recommend the HadaLabo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moist Mist. It is a small sleek bottle of 45ML, easy to carry along everywhere for use at any time of the day.

It is sold at all leading pharmacies such as Watsons and Guardians.

If you are putting on make-up, spray the mist onto the face too. Hold the bottle 15 cm away from your face and spray 2-3 times. Using your fingers, pat gently on your face till the mist is fully absorbed. This helps to hold the make-up in place, as well as to prevent the skin from drying up or irritated.

Give it a try, mothers. ^_^

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Broccoli, Pumpkin and Fish Porridge

Preparing a delicious and nutritious meal for a baby 8 months old and above is never difficult.
Simple ingredients, yet big nutrients!

Broccoli, Pumpkin and Fish Porridge

Age: 8 months and above

Nutritional Facts:

Broccoli

This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Protein, Thiamin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium and Manganese.

Pumpkin
This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

Threadfin Fish Fillet
Protein, Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin A, C

Ingredients (serving of 1):
Ikan Bilis (dried Anchovies) - a small handful to give taste
Threadfin Fish Fillet - 1/4 of the slice
Broccoli Florets
Pumpkin - 1 small thin wedge
Rice
Water

How to Cook:
1. Wash rice in a pot and add water.
2. Add ikan bilies to the pot and bring together to boil.

3. Drain and remove the ikan bilis from pot and discard.
4. Leave to boil till rice takes form into porridge for 5-10 minutes.
5. Dice pumpkin into small cubes and chop broccoli florets finely.

6. Steam pumpkin and broccoli florets for 10 minutes.
7. Remove skin of the fish and slice it thinly.

8. Remove steamed pumpkin and broccoli florets from stove and mash lightly. Do not mash them fully. Aim to retain a little crunchiness and texture.
9. Add fish and mashed pumpkin and broccoli florets to porridge. Give a little stir to mix everything together.
10. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
11. Turn off the fire.
12. Ready to serve.

Baby Walker - Helping Baby Learn to Walk?

Does a baby walker really helps a baby to walk sooner?

A baby walker is known to many, and it exists as far back as 1870s. It looked like an equipment with a baby sitting within and merely uses his little tiny toes to steer around the floor, with his feet barely touching.

Many parents have used a walker to keep their babies occupied while they carry on doing their chores. To date, this practice prevails, and much believed that their babies would walker sooner or later.

Many babies automatically learn to walk if left on their own, provided if their bodies are ready. Before mastering the technique of walking, babies must first learn to balance on both legs and feet. Of course, their leg muscles must also be able to support the body weight and keep themselves upright.

Walkers are not designed to stimulate and encourage normal walking.

Referring to the above mentioned, a child needs to learn to balance weights over his legs and feet before learning to walk independently. But, when a child is placed in a walker, he almost always learn to walk only with his toes. Walking on toes is not normal and often shortens the Achilles tendon which would mess up the child's balance when he eventually starts to walk.

Besides, actual standing position in a walker does not improve a child's balance. And, teaching the knees to take weight is often disturbed and not developed naturally. Practical observations show that many babies who spend most of their days in a walker struggle to or never crawl. This is especially true if a baby is put in a walker at a very early age. Or spends too much time in a walking ring.


Crawling on the other hand teaches important motor and perceptual skills such as distance, depth... concepts such as in, out, on and under.

Injuries due to Walker

Injuries to your baby's head caused by the walker falling over is probably the single biggest reason to use a baby walker sensibly and under constant supervision.

Should you continue using a walker?

Yes, why not? A child should be limited to spending a relatively short amount of time on a walker. A walker is still a friend especially when parents really have something to do, and keeping a child within a walker would enable them to complete their tasks sooner.

Breastfeeding Myths!

Extracted from an article on Singaporemotherhood. Enjoy reading! ^_^

MYTH: Women with inverted nipples can’t breastfeed.
FACT! Women with inverted nipples can breastfeed if the problem is corrected with a niplette at mid –trimester. A nipple shield, nipple puller or a pump can also be used.

MYTH: Women with small breasts have less milk than those with larger breasts.
FACT! Yes, the volume in certain cases can be affected, but you can still breastfeed.

MYTH: My mother did not breastfeed me, I probably can’t breastfeed my baby either.
FACT! Not true. Early initiation is vital and you should get professional help as soon as possible if needed.

MYTH: My newborn keeps crying and wanting to drink. I don’t have enough milk for her!
FACT! Yes it is possible, but check and do not assume that there is not enough milk. Observe and see if there are any other possible problems.

MYTH: Breastfeeding hurts. It’s normal.
FACT! When a mother first initiates breastfeeding, she may feel some pressure, but it should not be at the level of severe pain. If it hurts, she should first check the latching.

MYTH: I must breastfeed for 20 minutes on one side, then switch to the other side for another 20 minutes.
FACT! There is no fixed timing, but most babies will not able to suck continuously for more than 20 minutes. The baby will tend to nibble and use the mum’s breast as a pacifier for comfort. From previous research, if baby is sucking effectively, the timing per side can be as short as 15 to 20 minutes. However, this is only a guideline to ensure that the baby suckles from both sides.

MYTH: A breastfeeding mother will never know how much her baby is drinking, or whether baby has had enough.
FACT! When the baby has had enough, he will show signs of having drunk enough and generally be satisfied after a full feed. He will rest in between feeds for couple of hours or even longer. He will be gaining weight, and producing at least six wet diapers and three soiled ones per day. 

MYTH: Breastfeeding babies do not get enough iron.
FACT! The recommendation is for babies to have 8 to 10mg or iron per day. However, most babies will not require an iron supplement till they are six months of age. The amount of iron present in breast milk (Colostrum: 0.5 to 0.8 mg/l. Mature milk: 0.2 to 0.3 mg/l) is enough. This does not seem like much, but most iron (70 per cent) in breast milk is absorbed, compared to formula, where only 30 per cent is absorbed.

MYTH: If I am sick and taking medication, I cannot breastfeed.
FACT! It is important to let the doctor know that you are breastfeeding, as this may affect his choice of drugs for you. Don’t worry, there are medications that are compatible with breastfeeding. Most common medication is okay to take unless the mother is allergic to it. But do try to take them only after breastfeeding.

MYTH: If my baby is sick, she needs water, I cannot breastfeed her.
FACT! If baby is sick, breastfeeding is the best way to feed baby as the breast milk contains 87.8 per cent of water.

MYTH: My nipples are bleeding, I cannot breastfeed.
FACT! Correct the problem and continue with breastfeeding. In extreme cases mothers seek advice from a Lactation Consultant. Blood is edible but not easily digested, so it may irritate the baby’s stomach and make him throw up.

MYTH: Breastfeeding mothers must eat more in order to make milk.
FACT! Not true. A well balanced diet will do. The mother should not be dieting.

Step By Step

STEP BY STEP...

As your little one takes her first steps, is she equipped with the right pair of shoes to cross this milestone?

Among the many milestones that many parents wouldn't want to miss, watching their baby take her very first step is listed as one of the most important. By the time she turns one year old, you would already have witnessed that special milestone that would have left you beaming with pride. Babies usually begin to walk at around nine to twelve months old. However, some only begin at sixteen months old, and this is okay.

Baby Steps

Before your little one begins to walk, she would learn to sit, roll over and crawl. When she is around eight months old, she should begin to start pulling herself up to a standing position. Babies that are working on pulling themselves upright learn that there are something in the room, what we call the 'pillars', are things that would not move when pulled. Before this age, they expect that all things would move if pulled.

As the next few weeks pass, she would move on to cruising. She would be holding on to tables and couches to take her where she needs to go. And before you knew it, she may be taking her first step towards independence. Keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace.

And still growing...

Walking around barefooted will help your little one develop tactile functions on top of balance and coordination. Do this at home where it is safe. Walking on grass and sand is also good for development of foot muscles too. Children needs to also be trained on gluteal (butt) muscles too. Activities such as crawling, kicking and swimming are great for strengthening hips, thighs and calves.

Walking Tall

It is important to invest in a good pair of shoes for your little one, though this can be costly, especially when she will outgrow her shoes in just a matter of months. Children's feet grow very rapidly, and is always good to have a professional to measure their feet every two to three months' to ensure that the shoes are of the correct size.

Take care not to buy a size larger than her current feet size, as this would only make her walk more clumsily, or fall and hurt herself. Shoes should not be too tight to cause blisters, corn or in-grown toenails. We do not want that to happen. Say No No to high heels as these would cause calf muscle tightness and reduce the development of a proper arch. Flip flops are also not recommended though they are comfortable to adults, but definitely not for kids. They would tend to claw their toes to grip the flip flops. This cause them to overuse their small muscles in their feet and calf muscles.

Always remember, comfort is the key.

SHOE SHOPPING TIPS

Guidelines to shopping a good pair of shoes for your little one.

- shop later in the day. Your little one's feet would expand to about five per cent at the end of the day so this ensures you get the correct size.
- outline your child's foot on a piece of paper and cut it out. Bring it along during shopping, and insert the cut out into the shoe. You will know that the shoe is too tight if the sides get crumpled up.
- how to check for fitting? Insert your pinky finger between the shoe and her heel. If the width of your thumb can fit between the tip of her toes and the tip of her shoe, that would prevent her toes from bumping against the end of her shoes when she runs.
- It helps to let your little one toddle around the store for a while, then check for any irritable spots to ensure the shoes are comfortable.

Have a fun time shopping with your little one. ^_^

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Online Resources for the Modern Mothers

As modern mothers, Internet is a powerful and most resourceful tool. Anything and everything we need can basically be found on the web, from getting information, to buying groceries and many other tasks. Whatever you can think of. However, given this tool, mothers need a good range of web sites to save more time and make the most informed decisions.

Below are some useful sites that are good as references. Of course, do comment on this blog if you have some other good ones to share with us.

General - Pregnancy, Baby related

Baby Center

What to Expect

Weaning - A food guide, Do's and Don'ts

Homemade Baby Food Receipes

wholesomebabyfood

First Month Favours

Papa Mama

Sweetest Moments

Toy Rental

Toy Rental World

Toy Rental Club

My GrowingToys

Kidz Loft

Baby Care

Mam Baby

Diapers

Agape Babies

Baby Play

The Little Gym

Baby Jumper Gym

My Gym

Baby SPA

Education

Pelican Publishing

Learning Tech

Baby Concept

Forums

The New Age Parents

Singapore Motherhood Forum

The Asian Parent

Mummy SG


Cord Blood Banking

Cordlife

Stem Cord

Baby Health Therapy

Osteopathy

Post Natal Massages

Jamu Wellness

Babies Bellies


We welcome website contributions to share with mothers out there. Leave us a note if you wish to contribute.

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Abbott Nutrition Parenting Congress 2012

Raising a Little Thinker Parenting Congress 2012
4th August 2012 @ Grand Copthorne Hotel, Singapore

I have recently just attended a parenting congress on the topic of raising a little thinker. Though my daughter is only barely eight months old, I thought it would be good to listen to advice from experience people around.

As it is, nowadays, parents are more concerned, or rather, 'overly' concerned about how to teach their children to be intelligent in order to excel and have an edge over the others in school. Are we really going to direct our children into this path? I reckon not. As parents, we would rather have children that is intellectually intelligent to be able to survive in this society, not academic only.

So, how do we teach our children to be more intelligent? They need both the potential and the right environment in order to meet this goal.

To successfully acquire intelligence, first, children need to accept facts that are presented to them. They need to also be able to remember and store those facts, and retrieve them whenever requested to. Then we need to help them combine these facts, penetrate into their little minds and let them discover, means helping them to think. Lastly, use those learned facts on problem-solving. This few steps can be used on teaching a child to tie his own shoe laces.

However, when is the appropriate age to teach a child all these? The answer is as early as possible. The older a child gets, the harder it is to learn. The golden time is the first six years of a child's life. If you start since the baby's birth, it is even better. Why? Because, babies learn at a superb speed. Always remember, learning is inverse function of age, and parents are the best teachers to their babies. In fact, babies understand their parents more than the parents understand them. Imagine, babies know if they cry, parents would immediately pick them up and cuddle them. When they get bored of something, they would protest and the parents would stop that activity. So, how clever are babies!

Singaporean parents are often than not, very busy on their work and the daily chores at home to spend more time with their children. We need to learn to RELAX. Take deep breath and embrace the surroundings. More time spent with children means more bonding and learning. It is best to catch hold of the morning till before the afternoon nap time to bond with them, as they are the most energetic and most alert. Having said that, we also need to spend quality time too. Find out what the child likes and do more of it with them. I know, most parents would protest and say, "But we are just too busy to even sit down and play with our children. Chores are piling up if we do that." Yes, and how do these parents distract the attention of their kids? By giving them gadets like TV and iPads. Right? Feel guilty.

Advice from the speakers of the Congress recommend that parents should avoid letting children watch TV or iPad at least for the first three years. Children learns through visual and hearing senses. By speaking naturally to them, they listen and absorbs. Some even speaks beautifully when they know how to talk without attending Phoenic classes. In my humble opinion, it is not totally bad to allow children to watch education DVD on TV or on iPad, as long as we limit the amount of time. This is also to prevent putting plenty of strain on their eyes. Isn't it?

So, parents, think about how you would like your children to grow up. You are the key to raising a little thinker!

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