Getting the hang of things [PHOTOS]
Soon after we were pregnant, we decided we would not hire a confinement nanny. Y'see, when Mommy and Daddy were babies, they did not have a confinement nanny (well, Daddy actually had one for two weeks before the nanny left after a quarrel with Daddy's aunty).
But I am not sure if our decision is right. The first night we had Elijah back, it was so tough that I regretted not hiring a confinement nanny. Elijah was not feeding well and was at his fretful worst. Karen's blood pressure was not coming down and my cough became worse whenever I was stressed out. A nanny would have been nice.
So, the next day, I called up Thomson Medical Centre's ParentCraft Centre to enquire about their nanny sourcing service and if I could hire one at short notice. They told me I needed to make a 3-month advance booking. Well, at least the decision's made for us. For better of worse, we were stuck and had to go at it alone.
Fortunately, while we were still at the hospital before discharge, Daddy thought it would be good if we signed on for Thomson's HomeCare Service. A trained nurse/specialist would visit the newborn parents to teach them things like breastfeeding, bathing, etc, etc - stuff that new parents need to know right away.
So, today, Sister Lim visited us. Sister Lim recently retired from Thomson after 26 years with them. She had headed Thomson's 3rd Ward. We took to her immediately. She looked matronly and had a kind and gentle disposition. Sister Lim taught Mommy the finer points of breastfeeding, burping, bathing and answered all our questions. Our fears were allayed and we felt much better after the session. Maybe, just maybe, Mommy and Daddy can hack it as parents.
Coming away from the session, we feel it would make a fantastic gift to future new parents - family and friends alike.
Later in the afternoon, we were up for another baptism of fire - our first trip out with Elijah. We were due to meet with our O&G and paediatrician. We were franctic. What milk should we bring? How do we transport the milk? What should we pack in our travel bag? What if he poops? How do we change him? What if he cried non-stop in the car in the middle of the PIE/CTE (bumper-to-bumper traffic)?
Thank goodness, we got away easy. Elijah cried once - at the paediatrician's clinic - even then, only because he was due for a feed. We whipped out the bottle of breast-milk and he calmed down.
At the paediatrician's, Elijah weighed in at 2,490 g. A week old, he put on a mere 15 g. Babies tend to lose weight in their first week. At the O&G, Mommy was given a clean bill of health. So far, so good.
At the end of another exhausting day, Mommy and Daddy collapsed together and reflected. Sure, at times we're stressed, exhausted and frustrated, but we also sense it will be worth it, this labour of love. We still can't get over how we managed to create Elijah. God willing, Elijah will live up to his name. :-)
But I am not sure if our decision is right. The first night we had Elijah back, it was so tough that I regretted not hiring a confinement nanny. Elijah was not feeding well and was at his fretful worst. Karen's blood pressure was not coming down and my cough became worse whenever I was stressed out. A nanny would have been nice.
So, the next day, I called up Thomson Medical Centre's ParentCraft Centre to enquire about their nanny sourcing service and if I could hire one at short notice. They told me I needed to make a 3-month advance booking. Well, at least the decision's made for us. For better of worse, we were stuck and had to go at it alone.
Fortunately, while we were still at the hospital before discharge, Daddy thought it would be good if we signed on for Thomson's HomeCare Service. A trained nurse/specialist would visit the newborn parents to teach them things like breastfeeding, bathing, etc, etc - stuff that new parents need to know right away.
So, today, Sister Lim visited us. Sister Lim recently retired from Thomson after 26 years with them. She had headed Thomson's 3rd Ward. We took to her immediately. She looked matronly and had a kind and gentle disposition. Sister Lim taught Mommy the finer points of breastfeeding, burping, bathing and answered all our questions. Our fears were allayed and we felt much better after the session. Maybe, just maybe, Mommy and Daddy can hack it as parents.
Coming away from the session, we feel it would make a fantastic gift to future new parents - family and friends alike.
Later in the afternoon, we were up for another baptism of fire - our first trip out with Elijah. We were due to meet with our O&G and paediatrician. We were franctic. What milk should we bring? How do we transport the milk? What should we pack in our travel bag? What if he poops? How do we change him? What if he cried non-stop in the car in the middle of the PIE/CTE (bumper-to-bumper traffic)?
Thank goodness, we got away easy. Elijah cried once - at the paediatrician's clinic - even then, only because he was due for a feed. We whipped out the bottle of breast-milk and he calmed down.
At the paediatrician's, Elijah weighed in at 2,490 g. A week old, he put on a mere 15 g. Babies tend to lose weight in their first week. At the O&G, Mommy was given a clean bill of health. So far, so good.
At the end of another exhausting day, Mommy and Daddy collapsed together and reflected. Sure, at times we're stressed, exhausted and frustrated, but we also sense it will be worth it, this labour of love. We still can't get over how we managed to create Elijah. God willing, Elijah will live up to his name. :-)
Sister Lim shows how it's doneBurping is a versatile solution.
Burp the baby when he/she cries, wakes up, in between feeds, etc.
Professional bathThe Professionals. They make it look easy.
Professional swaddleSwaddling the infant - another important skill.
Infants feel secure being swaddled - it replicates Mommy's womb.
We were terrified of our first trip out with babyWhat if he poops? What if he bawls non-stop?
How do we transport the milk? How do we feed him?
How do we transport the milk? How do we feed him?
Meeting the O&G ladiesDr Yvonne Soong's staff - Alice (a registered nurse) and Margaret.
Waiting to see the docMommy went to see the gynae while Daddy brought Elijah to see the paediatrician.
Full battle packDaddy models the latest Universal Soldier action figure suit
(wearing the Daddy Battle Gear).
Putting into practiceMommy is getting better at burping baby.
Big burpKK earning his "Burping Badge (Bronze Medallion)."
posted by Chonz @ 9:48 pm
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