Time is passing by very fast. I have around 8 weeks to go before the MLOA (Maternity Leave of Absence) starts to take effect. I have been extremely busy with the preparation of ensuring that my work in office is being passdown and coordinate during my absence. Along with that, there are like 1001 things that needs to be prepared before the arrival of new baby in March.
Below are the 8 things that I think comes in pirority will need to get prepared with in the coming few weeks.
1) Preparing myself emotionally and mentally. Even though, it has been around 18 months after the delivery of my first baby, I can still remember the event of the day (very clearly). Every contraction, every pain that run through the entire body except the hair (no epidural) and the wonderful moment of carrying my new born baby in my arms is the happiest moment in my life. Preparing myself emotionally and mentally for this time helps me to be able be able to relax more and able to enjoy the process childbirth more this time.
2) Spending time with Emily. For the next few weeks, I will try to spend as much time as I can with Emily, because I know that when little baby is born, the time that I will have for her will definitely be lesser. I am very concern that she may not understand that change that may be happening and I am concern that she will be jealous if she see me nursing another baby but I have got some advice to help to help reduce some of the 'jealousy'.
3) Preparation at work. I don't know why but this is the first thing that comes to my mind when I am writing on the 10 things to prepare. I guess it is one of the most important things that I need to ensure a smooth transition to my back-up before I start to go on MLOA. There are a lot of documentations that needs to be completed and process that needs to be recorded so that it can be easies for my back-up to handle the daily task at work.
4) Preparation for Breastfeeding. Starting to prepare myself mentally is a very important step towards a successful breastfeeding of a new born. Basically, the will of the mind is very strong and our body will eventually produce the required milk supply for the new born.
5) Cut my long hair. I have very long and thick hair and based on the experience on the 1st pregnancy, it was too hot and very difficult to manage. I beg my mother to allow me to wash my hair after 14 days into confinement and of course, its a quick splash only and then another few more days not washing my hair. This time round, especially after CNY it scares me off how hot the weather can be lately. I have just visited my hairdresser and she has given me a new short hairstyle.. the shortest hairstyle that I can ever recall cutting in the past 10 years! But I am very satisfied and feel much cooler now.
6) Cleaning & Washing in other words nesting... I did this the first time and I am doing it again. I have been trying to keep our house, wash and re-wash baby cloths, blanket, traditional lampins and cleaning out the closet, drawer as clean as possible meaby its due to the nesting instinct that every woman/mom has. I remember I read in the books that it is very normal for expecting mothers to clean and prepare the environment in preparation of welcoming a new born baby. Or another reason is meaby because it is nearing Chinese New Year and I find the need to clean the house for that reason. This also includes starting to pack the delivery bag that needs to be brought to the hospital anytime
7) Walking...more walking. One of the exercise that I don't have time to commit and do. I use to walk for around 30 mins for at least 4 times a week previously as advice given by my mom and alot of friends. This time round, I have lesser time to go walking after dinner and hopefully it will not have any negative impact on me.
8) Resting more when time is near, which means don't be to "pek chek" as Chinese use to say and try to relax more. Its really hard trying to rest more especially after I come up with the list of 1001 things to do before childbirth, but getting the sufficient rest and energy is one of the most important aspect in preparation for the long hours of labour and delivery.
I think I better stop at no. 8 else, I will just stress myself more with more things to prepare :)
3 comments:
hi, I have something to share with you. I do not know whether you believe it or not but it works for me and En En. Around 2-3 weeks before your due date, drink boiled lady's fingers (bendi in malay)juice every alternate 3-4 days. It is said to reduce the jaundice on the baby. I did and I don't know whether it's coincident or what... En En was having the lowest jaundice index compare to other babies delivered in the hospital. She still turned yellowish but very little only and we just sun bathed her at home.
Just boil 3-4 lady's fingers with water and take the jiuce that's all. I see it as drinking herb juice which doesn't really taste good actually... :)
don't forget to eat b'fast if you have to rush to the hosp. in the morning...my big mistake for not having b'fast..i was weak after delivering and layin down for4 hrs...i craved for tiramisu..hehe
Thanks Sharine & Miranda on the tips :) I heard from moms that eating too much 'red' frutis and vege may cause the jaundice on newborn to be higher. I need to take more green vege (which I don't like now). I think I'll get my hb to buy me a piece of tiramisu before i admit myself to the hospital :)
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