Friday, July 31, 2009

Review - The Shichida Method

Well, R1 is a student of The Shichida Method. He has been there since he was 26 months young. And after attending the class for more than a year, we are very happy with the classes and he is still enjoying each and every class.

The teachers (Teacher Claudia and Teacher Dilah) were very nice and very good teachers.

Please read more reviews and updates on R1's Shichida classes on my personal blog -
http://blessedmummy.wordpress.com/

Review - Kitz 100% All Natural Household Products


I am really happy to have found Kitz products. It's all by pure chance that i was informed of this product by a fellow mummy in the Singapore Motherhood Forum. =P I wanted to get a stroller for R2 and she was trying to sell hers. Thus, we chatted about strollers and then... about barrier creams etc... as her kids has enzema and sensitive skin like R1 and R2, she tried the Hand Rub Sanitizer from Kitz at Sakae Sushi and fall in love with the products.

Kitz products are made of 100% botanical natural plant extracts thus are both gentle on the skin (even babies' skin) but tough on bacteria, grease and grime. Once you use it, you will fall in love with it like i did.

Kitz products are CFC-free, Chemical-Free, Alcohol-Free, Eco-friendly, Preservative-free and dye-free!

The Kitz 468 shampoo and body gel is lovely. Both adults and even infants can use it. Thus, i no longer have to buy 4 different products - adult shampoo, adult body wash, baby shampoo and baby body wash.

The Hand Rub Sanitizer is great for kids as well. Many a times, i do not allow R1 to use sanitizers cos it's made of chemicals and kids love to put their hands into their mouth. BUT Kitz HRS is made from 100% plant extracts and thus are great for kids.

The Kitz 328 multi-purpose detergent can be used for mopping of floors, laundry, washing of toilets, washing of burnt pots/pans. It basically Disinfects, Deodorizes, Degreases, Decarbonizes, Destroys Fungus (anti-fungus & anti-bacterial) and Discourages houseflies, ants & cockroaches. It's a wonderful product.

The 178 Dish Washing detergent is God-send! cos i no longer have to get a separate detergent for the washing of baby bottles and trust me the separate detergent isnt cheap. 178 is gentle enough to be used on baby items yet tough on stains on pots and pans. AND it also functions as a hand soap! it has a great mandarin fragrance as well. :)

The Kitz Aero 10 is a air freshner cum air disinfectant. It is used on board SQ flights to deordorize and disinfect the toilets. It is also used to wash wine and drinks stains of passengers. This can be sprayed directly into the duct of car's aircon and our house airconditioning. Daikin even list this is part of their airconditioning accessories. As this product is water-based, it can be left in the car without the fear of it exploding under extreme high temperatures. You can also use it to spray on yourself after you return from a meal in the foodcourt so that the food smell is deordorised.

Last but not least is the Kitz Swift! This product is excellent to be used directly on kids' toys, kitchen, office tables etc to disinfect without the need to clean again with water. As it is 100% plant based, you do not have to worry that it's not good for the kids. You can also put this into a small spray bottle and carry out with you to spray onto toilet seats to disinfect. Tired of using expensive baby wet wipes? Use this to spray onto yr baby's bum and wipe off with a normal tissue. This can disinfect yr baby's bum and prevent nappy rashes! (this product will be in stock next month as new packaging is being worked out!)

Now you know why i am excited? :P Cos all the above allows me to buy less products yet cleans and disinfect effectively... moreover some products are available in 5 litres pack thus it's very economcial... User-friendl, Eco-Friendly yet Wallet-Friendly... :)

Kitz products can be found in http://www.mummyknowsbestshop.com

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Health Updates

Disclaimer: the write up below is entirely the personal thoughts of the author and deemed as replacement for medical advice.
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R1 recovered... Me on the road to recovery... But DH fall sick during the weekend, MIL, SIL and helper are the next few to fall ill... ANNNDDD...

Guess what? R2, who had recovered, fall ill again... sighz... this R2 huh... super duper sensitive boy... anyway, will have to bring him to Yu Guo again...

Yest, as i was still having a mild cold, i went to see Dr Tan at Yu Guo, he told me not to worry too much abt H1N1 cos its another type of flu. Yu Guo sells herbs that you can boil to prevent H1N1, if you are there do get a couple of packets... Also, apparently, Tamiflu which is used in the treatment of H1N1 has bad side effects on kids. Kids who take Tamiflu might have higher risk of depression and suicidal in the future.

Perhaps, perhaps this is not THE drug for the treatment of H1N1... Perhaps, perhaps Chinese Medication might be a better answer... however, in the age of science etc, usage of Chinese treatment is deemed as slow, ineffective etc... But isnt natural drugs better than synthetic ones?

Food for thoughts...

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Why Choose Reusable Cloth Feminine/Menstrual Pads?

Ever recall the first time that we have our menses? The first product that our own mothers passed to us is “Disposable Pads” from brands like Kotex and Whisper. While in fact, most of our mothers started off with ‘Reusable Feminine Cloths” for their monthly cycle.

Why then the shift away from these reusable cloths? This is due to the fact that women are ‘reeducated' that menstruation is our own ‘dirty secrets'. We should never ever have any leaks as others will know and it is unsightly etc. It may seems that disposable pads is leak-proof and we can change less frequently, but is this a pro or con?

BUT wait! Have you ever wonder what chemicals are there in the disposable pads? What makes the pads super duper absorbent? Has anyone of us done any research on this? Or has the convenience of the disposable pads masks the problems that they cause?

Pause and think about it. Though using reusable feminine/menstrual pads requires a change of our mindset, lifestyle and some getting use to, the benefits are abundant as can be seen from the list below.

Benefits of Reusable Cloth Feminine/Menstrual Pads:

  • Very Much Cheaper in the long-run
  • Environmentally friendly
  • No harsh chemicals used
  • Reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome
  • More comfortable, reduce allergies and thrush
  • More frequent change of pads
  • Cute Colours & Prints

The investment of reusable feminine/menstrual pads might seem to be costly at first.
However, consider this: An average woman menstruate for a period of 35 years. You will use at least 12 maxi pads during each cycle and this works out to be about 144 used disposable sanitary pads a year. Thus, you will buy about at least 7 to 8 packets of 20 pieces of disposable pads each year. Each pack costs about $5 minimum and some are more expensive. In a year, you would have spent $40 on disposable pads. And this is JUST for maxi pads. What about panty liners etc? Some even uses tampons which are more expensive.
On the other hand, if you use reusable feminine/menstrual pads, it is a one time cost. On average, these pads will last about 3 years (depending on frequency of usage and care).
Thus, over time, you will definitely save $ if you switch to reusable pads.


Environmentally Friendly

Stop the increasing number of waste that goes into the landfill by switching to reusable feminine/menstrual pads. Worse still, the waste might be sent to the incinerator.

Imagine the disposable pads with whole load of chemicals in them and when these are burnt, where are the chemicals being released to? Moreover, when reusable pads are used, less resources are being used and you are definitely helping the environment and making the world a better place for our descendents.



No Harsh Chemicals

These reusable pads are non-toxic while disposables and tampons are usually made of chemicals which might cause harm to your body such as cancer, headaches or even Toxic Shock Syndrome.

According to the Village Voice, in 1992, a Congressional subcommittee had come across an exchange of memos between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists. These memos reported the discovery of trace levels of dioxins-carcinogenic compounds which are created through the chlorine bleaching of wood pulp as well as the manufacture of rayon. Rayon is generally used in tampons and wood pulp in pads for absorbency.

Thus, have you ever wonder why is the disposable pad able to last for 3 to 4 hours without leaks? Why is it super absorbent? The answer is the harsh chemicals in these pads. Usage of these pads for at 60 days annually at close contact to your most intimate part, you do not know what you are in for. Moreover, some of us use panty liners daily which might cause more problems than helping us in our hygiene needs.



Reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but it can be a fatal disease. In the 1970s and 1980s, more than 50 women had died and more than 1000 people suffered during an outbreak of TSS in US. Then, TSS was caused by synthetic fibers like the viscous rayon, which is still being used today. These fibers amplified the toxins of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Even though the risk of TSS can be lowered by using 100% cotton, most of the cotton crop in the United States is drenched in pesticides and not to mention genetically engineered.

And in 2001, a 13-year-old British girl died of tampon-related TSS after using tampons for the very first time throughout her period. It is also more common in younger people whose immune system is less mature.




More comfortable, reduce allergies and thrush

Reusable pads are also softer on your skin and they allow natural airflow and this can help prevent thrush, vaginal rashes and related problems. Despite their ‘white' appearance, disposable pads are actually not sterile. In fact, the synthetics and plastics in the disposable pads create a humid microclimate in this warm, damp area, in which germs and fungal infections such as thrush can easily breed.

Usually, when women develop problems such as thrush, vaginitis or soreness, doctors and health specialists advise them to wear cotton underwear. But, without thinking, you often continue to use your usual brand of feminine hygiene product or panty liner made from synthetic and plastic ingredients.

Many women suffering from skin allergies, irritation, soreness and itching, find their symptoms are worse during their period because of the synthetic nature of their choice of feminine hygiene product.




More frequent change of pads

Ever use a disposable sanitary pad for more than 3 to 4 hours? I am sure many of us will answer with a big YES! Perhaps this is due to our heavy workload or the effectiveness of the super absorbent chemicals in the pads. But ask yourself this – should we actually use the disposable pads for that long a time without changing into a new one?

Reusable pads allow us to feel the wetness of our monthly cycle and change the pads and therefore better hygiene. Thus, this will allow us to do so.




Cute Colours and Prints

Disposables are a dead boring whitish colour. Why not brighten up your menstruation cycle with coloured reusable feminine/menstrual pads instead?


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Pregnancy Guide #4 - Tummy shows earlier during 2nd Pregnancy

First Written on 7 July 2008 on blessedmummy.wordpress.com

I was amazed at my friend's K tummy when she was 3 months preggie with her 2nd child... cos her tummy was quite big, as if she was 4 or 5 months pregnant....


Now that it's my turn, i was more amazed that my tummy started to show at 6 weeks! gosh, you can just see the tummy sticking out... and it scares the hell of me.... i didnt put on alot of weight at all... but the tummy is just getting bigger... :(


I asked around, my gynae to the salesgal at the maternity shop that i used to patronised when i was expecting Ross told me the same thing... cos after #1, your tummy is already stretched, thus future pregnancy, you will start to show earlier and this is normal and i should not panic...


BUT with the chinese belief that one should not tell others abt the pregnancy till after 1st trimester, this inconvenience is really affecting me, cos my normal working tops will have to be 'cold storaged' very very soon! only those that are stretchable can be worn... my bottoms cant be buttoned up unless i breathe in... :P


I have bought a couple of tops and 4 maternity pants... but will have to bring the pants for alteration... sighz... have gone thru the old maternity tops and bottoms... some were really worn out... some just dun like them anymore... ehhehe... but ok, wont be too many... with the GSS, makes sense to buy the pants...


To those 2nd time mummies, dun be shocked if your tummy starts showing soon after you discovered you are preggie! it's normal!

Pregnancy Guide #3 - Cramps during early pregnancy

Cramping just a few days after a positive result

As soon as a healthy egg has been fertilised, and makes its way down the Fallopian tube to the uterus, the blood supply to the uterus increases dramatically. Even at this early stage, it starts to increase in size, and this can cause cramps very similar to those you may get just before your period. Don't panic! Cramping and funny pains may be felt all the way through your pregnancy. This tends to be because the uterus doesn't just float there in your abdomen, it's held in place by connective tissue that all has to stretch to accommodate your expanding baby. Don't forget that your entire lower abdomen gets completely rearranged by all this - and who knows where the ovaries end up! Curling up with a hot water bottle can help.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Pregnancy Guide #2 - List of things to get for Newborn and First time Mummies

Latest Update on 2 July 2009
Note: if you have any questions etc, do not hestitate to email me at info@mummyknowsbestshop.com
I am more than willing to provide advise...

DISCLAIMER:
this list meant as an info... please do not follow it rigourously... i have found that lots of things that i bought initially are not needed and i ended up having to sell them away... those that i have strikeoff means that i have gotten them for #2...
Gotten this list from somewhere when i was preggy with Ross... will give some comments with it...

Checklist of Purchases

Baby’s Room
Baby Cot - I co-sleep with bb during early months cos it's easier to breast-feed, thus didnt get one till bb was older... With R2, MIL used it during the day. Cos our room is very hot in the noon and she dun like the helper to sit on our bed. At night, R2 slept with me on the bed and we are planning to put everyone in the same room...

Musical mobiles/ Merry-go-round - good to get one... get yr friends etc to get 1 for you... can make it yrself too...

Mattress (3" or 4")

Blanket - get a thin cotton one for singapore weather... otherwise, in aircon room, something like a grobag may be good! Grobag is too hot for singapore weather, that's what i heard from a salesgal... others of thinner material will be great!

Bumper - u need this when bb start to poke their heads thru the cot...

Pillow/bolster case - gotten the infant position bolster and pillow from Robinsons... Babysafe i think...

Bedsheets

Mattress protector

Changing table (optional) - didnt get this lah... any bed or flat surface will do...

Cupboard/Chest of Drawers - might get another one if Ross' one is still not emptied by Jan 09...

Clothes for baby
Mittens/Bootees - i have gotten mittens and bb socks instead...

Cloth Diapers (Traditional white ones, can also be use to wrap baby) - those white traditional ones, MIL reminded me that bb has to be wrapped during 1st month... thus, these diaper clothes are the best in our weather... You can also get a product called 'Swaddle Me' to swaddle the bb when you are going out. Not advisable to use this at home cos the cloth is quite thick.

Cloth Diapers (in replacement for disposable diapers) - Me gotten this when Ross was born... SAVE $, environmentally friendly... easy to use... visit www.mummyknowsbestshop.com for cloth diapers.... Ryan is using more of cloth diapers and i even use it at night...

Disposable Diapers (IF you are not keen on Cloth diapers) - Do not save on disposables when bb is young cos their skin is very sensitive. Use Pampers Newborn. I have yet to try Mamy Poko Newborn but that should be fine too. Nepia is also another good brand to use. For Nepia sizes smaller than M, please call them directly to order and send to home FOC for purchases of 4 packets.

Nappy liners - dun really need if using disposables...

Blouse/shirts - long and short sleeves - for newborns, best buy those with buttons in front or strings...

Suits - pants and long shirts

Rompers - good for going out... cos prevent wind from getting into their tummy... Ross' old ones... mothercare has the best rompers for newborns and bb... pricy but worth it... do not get all white cos if not u will be stressed with the food stains...

Handkerchiefs (get plenty of them)

Face towels - get good quality ones...

Baby bathing
Baby wipes - for going out... ONLY

Cotton wool - for cleanning of bum with water at home
Bath tub - highly recommend Munckin rubber ducky tub...

Anti-slip mat - dun need lah... unless yr hands cant handle the bb...

Bath towel - hmm, might get new ones cos ross will still be using his...

Bath sponge (optional, small cotton handkerchief would suffice)
Baby soap/bath lotion - Love aromababy... pricy but sighz... still think it's good...
Baby shampoo - Aromababy

Baby powder with puff - Aromababy

Laundry for Baby Clothes
Buckets with lids

Basket for baby laundry

Nappy/clothes detergent/softener - we like to use pigeon brand soap powder

Clothes hanger for drying mittens/booties/handkerchiefs

Feeding Baby
Milk bottles (big+small) + teats - for breastfeeding mummies, the small 4oz bottles will do... get glass ones if possible... but note that some of nutrients from breastmilk tends to stick to the glass surface... pros and cons... I honestly prefer BPA-free bottles... but cos of R2 problems with bottles, my advise is not to get too many first. just get at most 2 first and see how the bb responded to that brand before going out to buy more... for R1, i didnt even get any during his first month... this is to force me to breastfeed him! :P

Bottle scrub brush

Warmer cum carrier bag

Thermometer (to use when baby is unwell) - get the ear ones cos they are faster... but remember this type is not very accurate...

Large pan/pot (for sterilising)

Tongs (to handle hot bottles)
Electric Steam Steriliser (Pigeon/Avent) - Ross' old one is still going strong... otherwise, 1 bb gift to request from friends, colleagues is steam sterilier... esp good if you are steralising yr pumps...

Milk containers

Bags/milk bottles to store expressed breastmilk - I love Medela milk bags but they are more pricy... get from www.mummyknowsbestshop.com

Misc
Thermometer - Ear Themometer is very convenient... but apparantly not accurate...

Nail clippers - i gotten the pigeon scissors one for nails instead...

Anti-nappy rash cream (Drapolene) - Aromababy barrier balm is very good for bb with sensitive skin like Ross

Oil for wind (Ru Yi or ‘White Tree Oil’) - Godsend!

Ziplock bags for checkups and outings.

Woodward’s Gripe Water - concern regarding alcohol content... we give millenium from Excel instead...

Polythene bag for soiled diapers

Care of the Umbilical Cord Stump

Sterile swab applicators

Sterile cotton swabs - get from hospital pharmacy... before discharging...
Sterile container for cord spirit - think the hospital will provide a bottle...

Cord spirit

Accessories
Playpen - never had one... we gotten a playmat instead... from Small Small world

Stair/door gates (If you want to separate your baby & pets)

Rubber protectors for bedroom doors

Highchair - highly recommend Graco highchair, pricy but stable... ikea is cheap and good too, just that it's very light...

Stroller - different stage needs different stroller... newborns need those that can be flat.... but these are heavy... thus, then they are older, get maclaren ones, light and not ex...

Pram

Car seats - even if you do not have a car, this is good for bringing newborns around... those with a handle

SLING - very good for breastfeeding, cotton sateen ones from MIM, have a cotton sateen and silk one for dinners...

Toys & Playstuff
Rattle - useful... washing ross old ones...

Mirror

Baby gym - dun really need lah... if have, of course good

Mummy Care
Maternity Dress/top/bottom

Pyjamas with front opening for breast feeding - for hospital stay

Breast pump - good investment... for frequent use, medela pump in style or ameda lactina... those who need advises on breastpumps please email me for more details...

Anti Stretchmark creams - currently using palmer's organic cocoa...

Nursing bras
Maternity bras - Mummyknowsbest is stocking up on some great nursing and maternity bras... stay tune...

Nipple cream for crack nipples

Nursing pads

Disposible cotton panties - get cotton ones for confinement...

Cotton panties (larger size when reach later stage of pregnancy)

Sanitary pads - 1 pack of maternity one will do... the rest of the time, just use normal ones...

Panty liners

Bedroom slippers - good to have... otherwise, just use socks...

Other optional items
Plastic bowl/ container, 10-12 inch diameter for both baby and mother

Electrical HotFlask (autoboil), quick access to boiling water

Thermoflask without autoboil, for mum’s drinking water

Claypot or double boil claypot for mum’s confinement soup

Claypot or earthenware for cooking pig’s trotters in ginger and black vinegar

2 pails for mum’s bathing and face cleansing.