Congratulations!

This post is dedicate to a dear friend who has just giving birth to baby No. 2 on Wednesday evening....

Elaine, CONGRATULATIONS on baby no. 2!!! I wanted to say "Keep up the good work" but...... u mentioned u want to "stop factory" already.... so, nevermind......

Just relax and have fun with your precious OK?

And take care......

Infant Milk Formula

Women of our time live in a modern, busy world. Many of us don't have long maternity leave, most usually return to work after about 3 months to 6 months official leave. Beastfeeding can be impossible since we live a hectic work life. That's when we turn to infant milk formula for our little dears.

Let me quote the folloing article from Medicinenet.com in order to help you achieve your decision in the purchase of a suitable infant formula for your babies.

In order to achieve appropriate growth and maintain good health, infant formulas must include proper amounts of water, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Each of these components is discussed below. The three major classes of infant formulas are:

Milk-based formulas are prepared from cow milk with added vegetable oils, vitamins, minerals, and iron. These formulas are suitable for most healthy full-term infants.

Soy-based formulas are made from soy protein with added vegetable oils (for fat calories) and corn syrup and/or sucrose (for carbohydrate). These formulas are suitable for infants who cannot tolerate the lactose (lactose intolerant, see below) in most milk-based formulas or who are allergic to the whole protein in cow milk and milk- based formulas.

Special formulas - for low birth weight (LBW) infants, low sodium formulas for infants that need to restrict salt intake, and "predigested" protein formulas for infants who cannot tolerate or are allergic to the whole proteins (casein and whey) in cow milk and milk-based formulas.

Water
Water is an important part of a baby's diet because water makes up a large proportion of the baby's body. When properly prepared, all infant formulas are approximately 85% water.

Infant formulas are available in three forms: liquid ready-to-use, liquid concentrate, and powder concentrate. Liquid ready-to- use formulas do not require the addition of water, while the liquid and powder concentrates require the addition of water.

It is of prime importance for parents to read, understand, and follow the manufacturer's directions when adding water to liquid and powder concentrates. Adding too much water to these concentrates or adding water to ready- to-use formulas can lead to water intoxication in the baby.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are sugars or several sugars linked together. Carbohydrates provide energy (calories) for the brain tissues, muscles, and other organs. Lactose is a carbohydrate consisting of glucose linked to galactose. Lactose is the major carbohydrate in human breast milk, cow milk, and in most milk-based infant formulas.

While most infants will thrive on a formula that contains lactose, some infants are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is due to a lactase enzyme deficiency (low levels of enzyme activity) in the small intestines. Lactase enzymes are necessary for "digesting" lactose by breaking the link between glucose and galactose. The intestines can then absorb the smaller glucose and galactose molecules. In infants who are lactase deficient, the undigested lactose cannot be absorbed. This, in turn, can cause diarrhea, cramps, bloating, vomiting, and gas. Lactase deficiency is more common in premature infants than in full-term babies. Lactase deficiency can also develop temporarily during recovery from viral gastroenteritis (commonly referred to as the "stomach flu"). Finally, lactase deficiency can be inherited (rare).

For infants with lactose intolerance, formulas that contain no lactose can be used. Lactofree is an example of a milk-based formula that contains corn syrup solids rather than lactose as its carbohydrate calorie source. Many soy- protein formulas also do not contain lactose and are suitable for lactose intolerant infants. In addition to corn syrup solids, other examples of carbohydrates contained in lactose-free formulas include sucrose (table sugar), tapioca starch, modified cornstarch, and glucose polymers (short chains of glucose molecules).

Proteins
Proteins contain different amino acids that are linked together. Proteins provide both calories and the amino acid building blocks that are necessary for proper growth. The protein in human milk provides between 10%-15% of an infant's daily caloric need. Casein and whey are the two major proteins of human milk and most milk-based formulas. (Immunoglobulins, a type of protein unique to breast milk, provide infection-fighting immunity and are not considered as a nutritional source and are not efficiently metabolized.) While manufacturers may vary slightly in the relative proportion of these two proteins, healthy babies generally thrive on any milk-based formula brand.

Fat
Fat in human milk provides 30%-35% of the total daily caloric needs for a growing infant. Formula manufacturers utilize many different vegetable oils for fat, including corn, soy, safflower, and coconut oils. Some formulas contain "predigested" fats known as medium chain triglycerides (MCT). These are analogous to the "predigested proteins" discussed above. Because of their unique application, formulas containing MCT are not routinely recommended for healthy infants and children.

Vitamins
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential in minute quantities for the proper growth, maintenance, and functioning of the baby. Vitamins must be obtained from food because the body cannot produce them. The exception is vitamin D, which can be produced by the skin when it is exposed to the sun. There are four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and several water-soluble vitamins (the "B" vitamins - niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and biotin). These vitamins have been added to infant formulas to ensure proper nutrition. Unless otherwise directed by their pediatricians, routine vitamin supplementation is not necessary for healthy full-term infants taking formulas.

High doses of certain vitamins can have adverse effects. For example, high doses of vitamin A can cause headaches, vomiting, liver damage, brain swelling, and bone abnormalities. High doses of vitamin D can lead to high levels of calcium in blood and kidney and heart damage. Therefore, high doses of vitamins should not be given to infants and young children without supervision by their pediatricians.

LBW and premature infants need supplemental iron, vitamins, and special formulas. These specialized formulas contain more calories per ounce than routine formula, but are manufactured in a special way so as to be easily absorbed by the immature digestive system. There are several brands of this type of formula (for example, Similac Special Care and Similac LBW (Ross Pharmaceuticals)). Part of preparing an infant for discharge from the neonatal ICU involves establishing proper nutrition, which must be continued by the parents at home. Individual recommendations will be made by the infant's neonatologist.

Minerals
Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, copper and zinc) and trace elements (manganese, chromium, selenium, and molybdenum) are included in most formulas. Therefore, there is no evidence that mineral supplementation are necessary for healthy formula-fed, full- term infants.

Preparing for your hospital stay

You won't want to panic at the last minute prior to hospital admission............ so I would suggest you get these items ready about 2 weeks before you are due......................




Toothbrush & toothpaste, face towel, comb, maternity pads (although these are usually provided by the hospitals)
Towel, shower gel etc
Pyjamas/ breastfeeding clothes/ pants (In short, comfortable clothing)
Pen/ notebook
Your persanol items (Idendity card, wallet etc, don't forget your Marriage cert, these are needed during birth registration!)
Camera/ video camera (usually the husbands will see to this)
Baby diapers, babycare items (again, the hospital will provide during your stay)
Simple makeup kit (to lok your best for the visitors/ camera)
Some pass time items like reading materials or MP3 player

Gynaes and Hospitals around the Island

Dear newly expectant mothers in Singapore:

Congratulations! I share with you your joy and excitement and also anxiety (unavoidable) about your new experience. Trust me, you might be trying to behave or feel normally but deep down, you will be quite lost and unsure. That's why you need to ask around for many differnet opinions and information. Well, for a start, here are the hospitals which provide obsetric and gynaecology (O & G) services for your consideraton:

(These informations are meant for general reference. Please always refer to the websites of the service providers for moe details)


National University Hospital www.nuh.com.sg

5, Lower Kent Ridge Road, NUH, S(119074)

Services:

Antenatal Package (Outpatient)
Maternity Packages & Services (Inpatient)
Antenatal & Parentcraft Programme
Health Screening for Women
NUH-NTUC Shared Care Antenatal Program
Mother & Daughter Health Programme


Doctors:
Anandakumar Chinnaiya
Annapoorna Venkat
Arijit Biswas
Chew Siong Lin Stephen
Chong Yap Seng
Chua Tsei Meng
Foong Lian Cheun
Joe Max Mongelli
Khalil Razvi Bin M J Khan
Kuldip Singh
Lim Fang Kang
Loh Foo Hoe
Mahesh Choolani
Ng Soon Chye
Oei Pau Ling
Rama Narayana Vara Prasad
Rantithan Luxmajothy Tambyraja
Shanmugarathnam S/O Sittampala
Tham Kok Fun
Wong Yee Chee
Fong Yoke Fai




Singapore General Hospital www.sgh.com.sg

Block 6 Level 7, Outram Road, SGH, S(169608)
Tel : 6321 4651
Fax : 6225 3464

Areas of services:

Fetal Maternal Medicine
Pre-pregnancy assessment and follow-up
Genetic counselling and screening for Thalassemia and Downs Syndrome
Detailed fetal scans e.g. Nuchal Translucency Scan, Fetal Anomaly Scan
Prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, e.g. chorionic villus and fetal blood sampling, amniocentesis, amniofusion, amnioreduction
Cervical Screening for Pre-term labour
High Risk Pregnancy Consultation/Management e.g. Hypertension, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Thyroid Disorders, previous cancers, pregnancy after transplant, renal dialysis patients

Gynaecological Oncology
Specialist cancer treatment of women's cancers
Active screening for prevention/ detection, e.g. colposcopy, ultrasound scans

Climateric Medicine
Menopausal assessment and treatment of symptomatology, osetoporosis and HRT use

Gynaecological Endocrinology
Hormonal assessment of menstrual problems and management of female teenage menstrual problems

Reproductive Medicine
The Centre for Assisted Reproduction (CARE) provides comprehensive infertility assessments, assisted fertility and conception, gamete and embryo transfer and andrology

Uro-Gynaecology
Surgical and non-surgical therapeutic regimes for women with distressing urinary symptoms
Urodynamic facilities for accurate diagnosis

Laboratory Services
Comprehensive O&G/IVF lab services
Sperm and embryo bank for autologous and donation purposes

Other Special Interests
Endoscopic and Minimally-invasive Surgery
Screening and Health Enhancement Programmes
Psycho-sexual Clinic

Doctors:
A/Prof Ho Tew Hong
Prof Charles Ng
Dr. Tan Hak KoonA/Prof Tay Sun Kuie
Dr. Yu Su LingDr. Chieng Kai Hieng, Roland
Dr. Chua Hong Liang
Dr. Devendra KanagalingamDr. Tan Lay Kok
Dr. Tan Poh Kok
Dr. Yong Tze Tein
Dr. Lisa WongDr. Fong Kah Leng
Dr. Michele LeeDr. Hemashree Rajesh
Dr. Tan Eng Loy


(http://www.sgh.com.sg/MedicalSpecialtiesnServices/ClinicalSpecialties/Surgical/OnG/)





KK Women's and Children's Hospital www.kkh.com.sg

100, Bukit Timah Road, S(229899)
Basement 1, Women's Tower
Telephone : 6394 1019
Fax: 6298 6343
Central Appointments @ tel: 6294 4050


Range of Services:

General obstetric services
Preconception health screening
Antenatal care
Intrapartum
Postnatal care

General gynaecological services
Health screening for women for gynaecological and breast malignancies
Management of common gynaecological problems e.g. menstrual disorders, menopause, pelvi-abdominal masses, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, urinary prolapse and urinary complaints
Management of unintended pregnancies
Range of contraceptive services
Menopausal symptoms and use of hormone replacement therapy, prevention and detection of osteoporosis in post-menopausal patients

Emergency obstetric & gynaecological consultations at KK Hospital's Women's 24-Hour Clinic
Consultant lead in inpatient care
Consultant lead in delivery suite ward rounds

Doctors:
Dr Tan Kim Teng
A/Prof John Tee Chee Seng
Dr George Mariamma
Dr Kang Wee
Dr Nair Shamini
Dr Benjamin Tham Wai Lum
Dr Judy Wong Pui Ling
Dr Yeap Min Li
Dr Chen Suet Ching Jeanette
Dr Wee Horng Yen
Dr Ng Chee Mun, Christopher
Dr Wong Hon Kwong, Kenneth
Dr Goh Shen Li
Dr Kew Chia Ying, Cynthia
Dr Law Wei Seng
Dr Mohd, Jasmine
Dr Tan Heng Hao
Dr Tan Thiam Chye
Dr Wong Heng Fok
Dr Shephali Tagore
Dr Khoo Chong Kiat


(http://www.kkh.com.sg/MedicalSpecialtiesnServices/WomensHospital/GeneralOnG/)





Thomson Medical Centre www.thomsonmedical.com

339 Thomson Road
Singapore 307677
Telephone: (65) 6250 2222 Fax: (65) 6253 4468
Email: contact@tmc-sin.com.sg

Specialist Services
Doctors’ professional fees on inpatient, normal, assisted and elective deliveries and C-sections when delivery is at TMC.
Doctors’ inpatient professional fees on selected packages in gynaecology, paediatrics and general surgery
Doctors’ outpatient professional fees for paediatrics services

Hospital Services
Maternity packages for normal, assisted and elective deliveries and C-sections
Neonatal ICU
Selected hospital packages in gynaecology, paediatrics and general surgery
X-ray and Ultrasound services, Fetal Assessment Services, ParentCraft services, including childbirth education classes, breastfeeding counselling, infant care training and confinement nanny services, health screening and GP services at 24-hour Family Clinic, Retail Pharmacy etc.


Partner Products & Services
Wide range of maternity/children's products such as cordblood banking, apparels, insurance, F&B outlets and more.

Childbirth Education Course
Infantcare Training Programme
Confinement Nanny Service


http://www.thomsonmedical.com/doc.htm




Mount Alvernia Hospital www.mtalvernia-hospital.org
820, Thomson Road (opposite MacRitchie Reservoir), Singapore 574623
Tel: 6347 6688 ; Fax: 6255 6303
Email: mailto:alvernia@pacific.net.sg


Raffles Hospital www.raffleshospital.com

Raffles Hospital, Level 12
Operational Hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pmSat: 8.30am - 1.00pm
Contact 24-Hour Hotline: (65) 6311 1222Tel: (65) 6311 1230Fax: (65) 6311 1170
Email: specialist@raffleshospital.com

Services:

General Obstetrics and Gynaecology services
Pre-pregnancy assessment
Routine antenatal care and ultrasound scans
Antenatal screening blood tests
Post delivery check up
Contraceptive advice
Sterilisation
Routine gynaecological check up and PAP smear
Treatment of infection and common gynaecological problems

Foetal Maternal Medicine and Management of high-risk pregnancy
First trimester Down's Syndrome screening for chromosomal abnormalities
Second trimester screening for structural abnormalities
Third trimester screening for growth disorder
Specialised 3-D foetal ultrasound scans
Management of twins, triplet & quadruplet
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villus sampling
Foetal blood sampling
Foetal therapy

Raffles Fertility Centre
Infertility assessment
Semen Analysis
Super-ovulation and Intra-uterine insemination(SO-IUI)
IVF
ICSI
Storage of semen before chemotherapy
Reproductive surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Gynaecological surgery for pelvic problems
Diagnostic / therapeutic endoscopic surgery for fibroids, cysts, endometriosis
Advanced hysteroscopic surgery, laparoscopic hysterectomy

Menopausal Medicine
Assessment and management of menopausal problems
Hormone replacement therapy

Uro-Gynaecology
Management of distressing urinary symptoms
Specialised tape and sling operations

http://www.raffleshospital.com/raffles_women_centre.html




Mount Elizabeth Hospital www.mountelizabeth.com.sg
3 Mount Elizabeth, #02-00, Singapore 228510
Ph : 6737 2666; Fax : 6737 4040
Email : mrc@parkway.com.sg


Gleneagles Hospital www.gleaneagles.com.sg
6A Napier Road, Singapore 258500
Ph : 6473 7222; Fax : 6475 1832
Email : mrc@parkway.com.sg


East Shore Hospital www.eastshore.com.sg
321 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427990
Tel: 6344 7588 ; Fax: 6345 4966
24 hours Information Service Hotline: 6340 8688
Email : enquiries_esh@parkway.com.sg




Other Hospitals:
Changi General Hospital http://www.cgh.com.sg/
2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889
Tel: (65) 6788 8833; Fax: (65) 6788 0933


Tan Tock Seng Hospital http://www.ttsh.com.sg/
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433
Ph : 6256 6011; Fax : 6252 7282


Alexandra Hospital http://www.alexhosp.com.sg/
378 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159964
Ph : 6472 2000; Fax : 6379 3880

A blessing from Heaven

I am truly grateful to God for blessing me with 2 little wonderful creatures - a girl and a boy. They are both so unique and special in their own ways. But I am not saying that things have come by easily for me. I've had my share of anxiety, worries, anger, frustration, helplessness and also disappointments. Motherhood is something that no one can ever fully graduate or retire from. It's a life journey of someone who is called a "mother". Motherhood is not "part of her life". It's the whole of her life. The significance of a mother can never be replaced by anyone, not even the father, grandmother, or godmother.

There is no "better" or "best" mothers in this world. Everyone is the best mother for her children. In order to do that, i am still learning. And I would love to share the knowledge and tips with all. Rather than keeping the information i have gathered in a little corner, I have decided to pen it down faithfully in this little website instead. I do hope this will benefit many, if not all, new mothers out there.

Happy Motherhood!