I'm losing my hair....

The saying goes that when your baby starts drooling, the mother will experience hair loss. This seemed so for me right now. Instead of the usual few strands of hair, I am losing triple the amount each time I washed and combed my hair. Everywhere I look, I can see few strands of hair on the floor, bed, pillow, chair and even on the food I prepared. I miss those days when I was preggie...so much of hair and it bounces when I walk, so nice....

I read about post-natal hair loss online and it seems that this condition is normal. Why hair loss after childbirth? This is so as during pregnancy, a rise in hormones keeps our hair from falling out. After delivery, our hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels. Thank goodness, hair loss is a temporary condition and it returned to normal after few months of hair loss everyday.

Women are said to be at their most radiant when they’re expecting. A full head of beautiful hair, a face glowing with bliss and happiness…these women should have no worries in the world at all. So why do they have to put up with hair loss? After childbirth, because of the massive amount of blood lost as well as the major changes in the blood circulation and metabolic rate, the hormones will struggle to readjust. 3 to 5 months after delivery, about 30% of hair may be lost. Similarly, these women will also experience hair loss, due to poor stamina and health after childbirth.

On a whole, hair lost will start to grow back after 5 months or so. But, if your hair continues to fall out after the 5-month period or if you’re starting to see your scalp a lot more than you should, then this is something you shouldn’t ignore! This will make you look old and haggard and not the slightest bit like a new mum. Besides that, your hair loss might become a permanent problem…by then it’ll be too late to regret not taking prior action!

Pregnancy Diabetes.

During my 29th week of pregnancy, doctor informed me that I have gestational diabetes which was very common among pregnant women. There is nothing much I can do about it except to take care of my food intake and practice regular light exercise. I have to go through pricking my finger for blood to check my glucose level 4 times a day for up to my 38th week of pregnancy. Doctor say nothing much to worry about until my check-up on the 37th week. My blood glucose level was quite high and the doctor insist me to get admitted to start on the Insulin programme. Upon hearing the word Insulin,  I was so shock and speechless at that moment. My tears starts rolling down my cheeks and luckily my hubby was me at that time. He hold my hands and calmed down saying it's all for our baby. I was so scared and worried about my baby. Thank god doctor say my baby is in good condition and healthy. I got admitted into Putrajaya hospital immediately on that day itself and started off with the Insulin programme.

After 3 days, doctor finally allowed me to go home and rest. I only need to inject insulin onto my belly once a day (night) but still need to prick my fingers 3-4 times a day for blood glucose reading. Due to this, doctor want me to get admitted again the following week (38th week - 30 Jul 09) to induce and deliver the baby. Can't wait until the due date (40th week - 14 Aug 09) arrive as baby will be very big and more prone to birth complications / defects later.  Baby was born on the 02 Aug 09 morning.

On the 2nd post-natal month, I have gone for my medical check-up and doctor confirmed that I don't have diabetes anymore. But still have to take care of my diet as chances of getting diabetes is very high later in the years.

Infomation extracted from http://www.thestar.com.my/ :

DIABETES mellitus is a condition in which the blood glucose is too high (hyperglycaemia). It is due to insufficient insulin being produced or the cells in the body being unable to use insulin the way they should. Without insulin, the blood glucose that cannot get into the body’s cells accumulates in the bloodstream.

There are many changes in the body during pregnancy. The placenta produces hormones essential to foetal development and they increase in the second and third trimester. They also prevent insulin from functioning the way it is supposed to (insulin resistance). Thus, the demand for increased insulin with feeding escalates progressively during pregnancy. The body has to produce about three times the normal amount of insulin to overcome the effects of the placental hormones.

In most women, the body produces extra insulin to maintain the blood glucose in the normal range. However, in about 5% of women, the extra insulin produced is insufficient, leading to hyperglycaemia by the 20th to 24th week of pregnancy. After delivery, the body uses insulin more effectively and the blood glucose returns to the normal range.

This condition only occurs during pregnancy and is called gestational diabetes (GDM). The risk factors for GDM include maternal age, obesity, obstetric history of diabetes or large babies and strong family of diabetes.

Poor control in the first trimester, when the foetal organs are being formed, increases the risk of birth deformities and miscarriage. Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication due to poor control, can also lead to miscarriage. Gestational diabetics do not usually have these problems because the condition develops after the first trimester.

Poor control later in pregnancy increases the risk of foetal death and/or increased foetal growth with birth weights above 4kg (macrosomia), the incidence of which is thrice that of those with blood glucose within the normal range. Macrosomia increases complications during labour and delivery, the likelihood of instrumental vaginal delivery and caesarean section, and birth injury.

The timing of delivery is important as the objectives are to prevent stillbirth and asphyxia and to minimise morbidity to mother and baby. Delivery that is as near to the expected date of delivery increases the likelihood of spontaneous labour and vaginal delivery. However, the risks of increasing foetal macrosomia, birth injury and stillbirth increase as one approaches the expected date of delivery.The obstetrician considers several factors when deciding on the timing and mode of delivery. They include blood glucose control, maternal complications, foetal macrosomia and foetal biophysical profile.

Although there are potential complications, a healthy baby will result, provided there is good control of the blood glucose. This can be achieved by close partnership between the patient with her obstetrician and her physician or endocrinologist.

Arrival of Baby Rishyen.

It has been more than 4 months since I last posted anything here. Didn't have the chance to post anything since I delivered due to limited internet access and super busy with the newborn.

Finally after months and months of excitements and tensions, my baby boy was born on the 02 Aug 2009 weighing 3.36kg. Can't describe how happy and proud I was despite of many obstacles I've gone thru bringing him into this wonderful world. Life has changed since he was born. I have a small little family of my own now(Hubby, Baby and me). =)

Will tell you in the next blog what I've gone thru to be able to hold this beautiful cutie pie. It's truly an amazing child birth experience for me as he is my 1st baby.

Government or Private Hospital.

Gosh! It has been nearly a month since I did my last post! Anyhow, thanks to all for still popping by to check it. Last month has been extremely busy for me with work, shopping, preparing things for Baby and usual medical check-ups.

I've been going for 2 check-ups a month. 1 trip to the government clinic and another trip to the private clinic. I will required to do the government clinic check-up as hubby and I had decided that I will deliver in Putrajaya Hospital (semi-govt). Therefore, they will require my check-up / well being records so that it's easier for them to take over / monitor me when I'm admitted for labour pain. As I'm already in my trimester period, I am required to go see the doctor every 2 weeks and will gradually increased the visit to once a week nearer to my estimated due date(EDD). My EDD is on 14 Aug 2009.

Hubby and I had thought and measure the pros and cons of delivering in a government hospital or in a private hospital. We've considered the govt Hospital - Putrajaya / Serdang and the private Hospital - Sunway Medical / SJMC. After a tour to the listed hospital, we have decided on Putrajaya Hospital. Why Putrajaya Hospital you would wonder? Some says it's too far and some are sceptical about it. Being a semi-gov hospital, the charges is fairly cheap compare to the private ones and it's a very friendly orientated hospital. Delivery charges in private hospital for a normal birth cost approximately RM 5-6K++, while for C-sect it will cost approximately RM 10-12K++. Well I was shocked when I learn the figures from the doctor. As for the semi-gov Hospital, it only cost approximately RM 700 for normal birth and RM 1k+ for C-section. WOW....ya that's my reaction when the nurse gave me this info. We had a tour around the ward / nursery and delivery room and it's quite satisfiying I must say. Looking at the amount we can save and the clean / friendly environment, we have decided on Putrajaya Hospital and immediately register / pre-book myself. Furthermore, it's only a 15-20 mins drive from my house. So many had deliver their babies there, so I guess it should be ok.

It wasn't easy to decide which hospital we would want to bring baby to the world until we really go and see it for ourselves. Hubby and I are glad that we can slashed off this task from the ever long task list. Yeah!

Newborn Checklist.

Being a 1st time parents, we've got a list of things that we will need to buy and here is our list :

Our Newborn Checklist.

For Daily Use :

1) Baby Napkins
2) Diapers
3) Bottle Brush / Cleanser / Detergent
4) Feeding bottles (10)
5) Pacifiers / Keeper
6) Wipes / Wet tissues
7) Sterilizer / Bottle Tong
8) Bottle warmer / Flask
9) Nappy Liners / Rash Cream

Baby Care / Bathing:

1) Bath Foam / Shampoo
2) Bath Mat / Sponge
3) Bath Towel / Face Towel
4) Baby Powder / Lotion / Oil
5) Cloth Detergent
6) Cotton Buds
7) Nasal Aspirator

Cot / Beddings :

1) Mattress
2) Bedding Sheets (3-5 sets)
3) Baby Pillow & Bolster
4) Blanket / Cot Bumper
5) Net Bouncer
6) Baby Cot
7) Baby Play Gym
8) Musical Mobile
9) Baby Rattle / Crib Toys
10) Play Pen

Clothing :

1) Bibs
2) Diaper Pants
3) Mittens & Botties
4) Long Pants & Shirts
5) Shorts & T-shirts
6) Hats
7) Handkerchiefs
8) Romper

Outing :

1) Baby Stroller
2) Nursery / Diaper bag
3) Car Seat
4) Travel Changing Mat
5) Bottle Warmer
6) Stroller Toys

Others (optional) :

1) Baby Monitor
2) Night / Crib light
3) Mosquito Net & Stand

Nursing :

1) Breast Pump / Storage Kit
2) Breast Pad
3) Nursing Bra / Dress
4) Nipple cream / Shield
5) Post Natal Girdle (Bengkung)
6) Feeding Pillow (optional)


Ok, that's our list. I guess that's all we need at this moment, not sure if we have left out any other things. Even if we have, we'll just get it later lar.

Preparation for Junior's arrival.

Another 2 more months to go before, our little bundle of joy arrives. I really can't wait to hold him in my arms and start kissing him. Yes, it's a little boy we are expecting and we couldn't be happier. =) It's our 1st child so it doesn't matter if it's a girl or a boy. Which ever it is we will love her / him lots and that's for sure.

These past few days, I've been dreaming that I've gave birth and I'm holding our baby in my arms. Is this normal? Or am I being extremely desperate? Anyway, hubby and I are so excited as my EDD is getting nearer. We are now so busy preparing for Juniors arrival because we want to make sure that we have everything we need to welcome Junior into the world. We been going around shopping and looking at things which we might need. Nowadays, baby things are not cheap at all but I think it's worth spending the $$$ as it brings joy and happiness to our family.

We managed to save some $$$ on the baby cot, hubby's aunt gave us one as her twin girls are already big now and don't need the cot anymore *(Thanks Aunty Sheki). Hubby is all so excited with the ideas of painting it and setting it up. While I'm now at the moment of finding a perfect place in my wardrobe to put all the stuffs that we have bought for Junior. Need to do a lot of washing of new clothes and nappies cloth too. All this preparation has made hubby be coming more responsible and I think he likes it that way. I'm so proud of him.

Well we are only half way there with all these preparations. Busy, Busy, Busy but EXCITED, EXCITED, EXCITED....hahaha..

My dearest Hubby....

As promised, here is something about how I met the love of my life - my hubby (Hari) and how we ended up having a small family of our own. This post is also dedicated to my hubby.

It all started when I was working part-time in a Marketing company after college. As a new-comer to the company, I barely knew anyone for the 1st few days and I didn't know Hari existed in the company until the next few weeks when he came and talk to me after work. Well, we started working together since then and I guess after a few dates, we found ourselves very comfortable with each other. We hung out together a lot during working hours and also after working hours. There were so much things to do and talk as both of us are from a different background and culture. He had just moved to KL from Penang at that point and he is an Indian. While I'm a Chinese girl from KL itself. Never would I thought that I will fall in love with this Indian boy at that time. Futhermore, how am I going to explain this to my parents that I'm dating an Indian boy....(my family was not so open to the idea of dating an Indian...not sure why though..)....we had a tough time with my family but because of his nice, charming personality...he managed to get all my family members to like him and accepted him as who he is. While his big huge family accepted me warmly into their world in the beginning itself treating me as one of their own members. They are all so so nice and I thank them for accepting me.

It's all the lovey-dovey moments and the fun things we did together that brought us into the next level of a relationship. I have to admit that I never felt so good in my life before meeting him and I thank god for it that I've found the perfect one. I find that we are so compatible and we were really meant for each other. Believe it or not we always complete each other sentences and always say the same thing at once (sound so cheeesy rite...aikkks). It's really true... even up to now. We still call each other everyday at work or chat on MSN messenger eventough we stay in the same house and see each other every single day. I can't live without you my dear hubby.

My hubby is such a patience person especially to me. I'm the one who is always fussy about this lar and that lar, sometimes I know it really irritates him but he will just keep quiet. I will nag and grumble about something and he will just listen to me patiently, then he will come comfort me after that commotion. I do most of the time feel bad and apologies to him. It's very easy to make him happy, I will just have to fix him coffee/tea or any of his favourite food and that will do. I guess what people say it's true that to make your man happy is through his stomach. =) Or sometime just a kiss will make him all happy again. Yeah it's just that simple. Hahaha...

What I like about him is that he is a very cheerful and entertaining person. You can put him in any crowd or group and he can easily mingle with everyone. Such a joyful character he can be sometimes. He always cheer me up with all his funny faces/noises/jokes/etc whenever I'm feeling down or stressed out. I bet our children will really adore him a lot as he is very good with kids. All kids just loved him. I had a nickname for him....I sometimes call him Bear Bear...Hahaha...oopppss...sorry my darling, you are just so cute like a teddy bear and I couldn't resist telling anyone. =P

Well let's go back to the story, after a long 8 years of boyfriend girlfriend relationship, we decided it's time to move on into the next level of life. So we bought a condo (a place where we now call home). We settled down last year in July with a big house warming party together with family and friends. Next, we planned to register our marriage in Mar 09 and to perform an Indian wedding ceremony / ritual in around Oct 09 but everything was brought forward when we registered our marriage on 09th Jan 09 and thereafter the Indian wedding ceremony in a local hindu temple on 01st Feb 09......all because I found out I was pregnant in end Dec 08. Hahaha........Yeah, I'm now 27 weeks pregnant. We couldn't be happier when I found out that I was pregnant. We will be welcoming our little bundle of joy in mid Aug 09, which is just a few months away. I wonder how is it like to be parents?

We have been through thick and thin journey to get to where we are now, from zero to something which we are very proud of today. I believe it takes two to tango and I believe in my hubby all the time. Hubby I just want you to know that I love you always, you are the greatest and I'm proud to be your wife. =)