Nestlé Low Fat Milk

How many types of fresh milk have you tried before? Well, I believe there are many brands of fresh milk in the market you can think of. Do you notice that some of them have to be kept in the fridge (normally expired within 1-2 weeks time) while some can be kept in the normal shelves (can keep for 1-2 years time) in the supermarket?

Some people told me that when we drink fresh milk, we have to make sure it's really 'fresh' without preservative. So it's better to choose those in the fridge. I thought the same too till I got pregnant.

Due to hormone changes, my taste bud has changed totally during my pregnancy. Whatever is sweet had turned to extremely bitter; Sour became sweet; Bitter became normal; Spicy remained spicy.

That was a torturing changed for me. And till then, I just realized that many food and beverage we are eating everyday contains sugar,  including fresh milk!!

We are always been told that it's important to drink enough milk during pregnancy so that our baby can be healthy, strong and smart, oh, fair too! So I learn to make it as a daily habit but before I can make it as a routine, I have problem getting a non-sugar fresh milk for a while. I had tasted all the fresh milk in the supermarket till I found this Nestle Low Fat Milk (which is always selling at the shelves). I was like thank goodness, finally I have found you!!

Well, my girl is now 31 months already. My hubby and I still continue to consume this fresh milk everyday. I have to say that, I'm glad that I had such hormone changes during pregnancy which helps me to find out the "true color" of the food and drinks that we have daily.

So, if you are having the same problem like me, try out this fresh milk. It taste good! ^^

Foods you should avoid during pregnancy

What are the foods you should avoid during pregnancy?

Raw Meat: Uncooked seafood and rare or undercooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

Deli Meat: Deli meats have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which may be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.

Fish with Mercury: Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tile fish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury.

Smoked Seafood :Refrigerated, smoked seafood often labeled as lox, nova style, kippered, or jerky should be avoided because it could be contaminated with Listeria. (These are safe to eat when they are in an ingredient in a meal that has been cooked, like a casserole.) This type of fish is often found in the deli section of your grocery store. Canned or shelf-safe smoked seafood is usually OK to eat.

Fish Exposed to Industrial Pollutants: Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include: bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.

Raw Shellfish: The majority of seafood-borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose a concern for everybody, and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

Raw Eggs: Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs.

If the recipe is cooked at some point, this will reduce the exposure to salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream, dressings, and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs and do not increase the risk of salmonella. Restaurants should be using pasteurized eggs in any recipe that is made with raw eggs, such as Hollandaise sauce or dressings.

Soft Cheeses: Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. You would need to avoid soft cheeses such as: Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include queso blanco and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

Unpasteurized Milk: Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Make sure that any milk you drink is pasteurized.

Pate: Refrigerated pate or meat spreads should be avoided because they may contain the bacteria listeria. Canned pate, or shelf-safe meat spreads can be eaten.

Caffeine: Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is to refrain from consuming caffeine.

Alcohol: There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.

Unwashed Vegetables: Yes, vegetables are safe to eat, so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil where the vegetables were grown. (copied & edited from Pregnancy Association)

Postnatal Heavenly Harmony Soup

These are the popular 7 packets confinement herbal soup (One packet = 2 sachets) specially made to rejuvenate your postnatal health.

Instructions:

1) Boil 750ml water (= 3 small rice bowls)

2) Add 2 soup sachets (please do not tear sachets) into pot together with added ingredients of chicken/beef/pork/vegetable, etc.

3) Double boil for 3 hours before consuming.

The taste of these herbal soups are great and it helped me to replenish my energy and have more breast milk during the confinement month. It is easier to cook compare to those traditional herbs.

Promotes Blood Circulation x1

Strengthens spine, kidney & nerves system x1

Replenishes 'Yin' & enhances beauty x4

Invigorates blood & enhances 'Chi' x1

For those who are interested, please contact me for this 7 packets Postnatal herbal soup.

Selling price: RM80 (Free postage within Malaysia only)

Postnatal Herbal Rejuvenation Supplement

Do you know that if a woman didn't eat well (special diet) to help accelerate the recovery from her weakened condition post childbirth during confinement month, she will have many health problems in future?

This special diet is made up of confinement foods targeted towards specific functions like dispelling “wind” from the body, quelling “heatiness”, boosting blood circulation, revitalizing strength etc.

Would like to introduce you one of the supplement I took.

Energize -- Re-vitalizing & Building Energy

This is natural medicinal products made from the qualified prepared medicinal herbs. The product is refined by modern industrial ways of extraction, condensation, drying and granule-shaping. The characteristic, channel tropism and effectiveness are the same as the original prepared medicinal herbs. Just that we need not cook nor boil, just dissolve in warm water and drink directly as herbal tea. Very convenient!

Bought extra and willing to let go in a cheaper price.

10 sachets of Energize -- Re-vitalizing & Building Energy 

(Traditionally used by women for improving blood circulation, regulate menstruation and invigorate vital energy)

Free 3 sachets of Enhancement -- Warming & Strengthened Spine

(Traditionally used by women for general health.)

Selling Price = RM80 (Free Postage within Malaysia only)

Are you ready to be a mother?

Am I ready to be a mother?

You must have been asking yourself this question ever since you got married.

We make choices everyday. Some choices are easy but some can affect the rest of our lives. You have to know what is important to you and what do you want!

Something for you to consider:
 

• What would you feel if you found out you are pregnant today? Happy? Excited? Loved? Depressed? Angry? Scared? Stressed?

• Do you have a supportive husband who is ready to be a father?

• Are you willing to give up on your hobby/interest/job after being a mother?
  

• Are you financially ready? 

• Will you regret?

Babies are cute but a mother's job can never end. Babies need to be fed, diapered, cared, loved, dressed, comforted, played with and nurtured. Taking care of a baby can be 24/7, which means you have to get up in the middle of the night to feed, change diaper and meet the baby's needs. 

Before being a mother, you have to be financially ready, physically (make sure you have a healthy body to get pregnant) and mentally prepared. Please don't get pregnant because your parents/in-laws want you to do so. It is a choice of your life. Once you are a parent, you will forever be a parent. It is a choice where you have no turning back so please be absolutely ready/prepared before proceeding.

Many mothers can tell you how fun their lives became ever since they have a new family member. Before you get too tempted, you should find out more.

Such as, do you mind:- 

1) your body to get bloated/ballooned up during pregnancy 

which may takes more than half a year to slim down? 

(Some of them failed to get back to their slim/fit body after birth.)

2) to take supplement such as,  folic acid, vitamin-c, iron pill 

and calcium pills throughout the pregnancy?

3) to STOP smoking, drinking alcoholic/caffeine beverages and taking your favorite raw food, etc which are bad for your baby?

4) to have stretch marks?

5) to have hormone changes which may give you 

more freckles(pregnancy mask)/pimples on your face and body or even change your voice?

6) to suffer from nausea (morning sickness), insomnia and cramps for months?

7) to have saggy breasts?

8) to go through the labour pain/postnatal c-sec pain + scar?

9) to look after the baby 24/7 no matter how tired/sleepy/sick you are?

10) to stop going out or cut down the frequency of 

shopping/clubbing/gathering with your friends weekly?

11) to change diaper for the baby?

12) to take care of your sick baby rather than watching movie with your friend?

13) to have a baby/kid follows wherever you go?

 14) to educate your child?

If your answers are YES, congratulations, you are ready to be a mother!

Honestly speaking, in reality, no one is probably ever really "ready" to have a baby.  Even when it's planned out, it can still be an overwhelming experience to see the positive pregnancy test results!

The best way for a person to know if they are ready to have a baby is to think hypothetically what their own reaction would be upon seeing a positive test result - If you can see yourself freaking out and feeling like your entire future is gone, and that you would feel helpless and lost without terminating the pregnancy or giving the child up for adoption, you are NOT ready.  

However, if you can imagine yourself being elated, and knowing in your heart that no matter what, you CAN do this and you WILL do this, you are ready. (advice from Erasorhed)

Travelling During Pregnancy

I love to travel, even during pregnancy. 

However, if you are going to travel by air, 

there are certain rules you need to follow.

I had compiled most of the airlines' rules here, 
but please reconfirm with latest info.

~Start packing & Happy travelling~

Aeroflot

• Doctor's certificate required if traveling within four weeks of due date. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and must be dated within seven days of flight departure.

Aeromexico

 

• Suggests pregnant passengers at all stages of pregnancy should seek the advice of a medical professional prior to travel.
• If travelling after the seventh month of pregnancy a medical certificate is required stating the passenger is fit to travel. A letter freeing Aeromexico from any liability must also be signed by the pregnant passenger.

American Airlines

• Medical certificate required if travelling within four weeks of due date (American Airlines further specifies that this rule applies for a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy).
• Travel is not allowed within seven days before/after delivery for flights that are less than five hours in duration within the United States. Exceptions may be made if the passenger obtains a medical certificate and is cleared by American Airlines' Special Assistance Coordinator.
• For international travel (or over major bodies of water, as in travel to Hawaii), American Airlines advises against travel within a month of the due date unless she is examined and obtains a medical certificate within 48 hours of departure stating that she is fit to travel. Approval from American Airlines' Special Assistance Coordinator is required within ten days of the due date and seven days after delivery.

AirAsia 

Pregnant Passengers: It is the duty of pregnant passengers to advise of the progress of their pregnancy at the point of booking of seat and at the check-in counter. Carriage of pregnant passengers is subject to the following conditions:

(a)	Pregnancy up to 27 weeks (inclusive): accepted without a doctor's certificate subject to the passenger signing a Limited Liability Statement.
(b)	Pregnancy between 28 weeks to 34 weeks (inclusive): passenger shall produce a doctor's certificate confirming the number of weeks of pregnancy and that she is fit to travel. Certificate shall have been issued not more than seven (7) days before the scheduled flight departure date. The passenger will be required to sign a Limited Liability Statement.
(c)	Pregnancy 35 weeks and above: AirAsia will refuse carriage

Air Canada

• No travel restrictions up to 36 weeks for passengers with a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy.
• Travel within the last month of pregnancy is contingent on obtaining a medical certificate stating that a pregnant passenger is fit to travel.

Air India 

• For pregnancies free of complications, pregnant travellers may fly without restrictions up to their 32nd week.
• Pregnant passengers traveling after the 32nd week of pregnancy up to 35 weeks must obtain a medical certificate stating she is fit for air travel. 

Air New Zealand 

• No travel restrictions for pregnant travelers with complication-free pregnancies up to the eighth month of pregnancy.
• Medical clearance is required for pregnant travelers flying internationally within the last four weeks of pregnancy.
• Medical clearance is required for pregnant passengers carrying multiples.
• Medical clearance is required for pregnant travelers flying domestically within the last two weeks of pregnancy.

Alaska Airlines

 

• No restrictions for pregnant travelers.

Alitalia

• No travel restrictions for the first eight months of pregnancy.
• If travelling within the last four weeks of pregnancy, expecting multiple births, or having a complicated pregnancy, medical clearance is required. Completion of a Medical Information Form, MEDIF, prior to travel and signed by both the passenger and doctor is required. The form is available for download from Alitalia's site.

British Airways

• No travel restrictions for pregnant travelers up to the 36th week of pregnancy except for pregnant passengers expecting multiple births, where travel restrictions begin after the 32nd week.
• British Airways requests that passengers traveling beyond their seventh month of pregnancy bring along a letter from their medical professional stating that the pregnancy is free from complications, and the expected due date. It should also state that the pregnant passenger is fit to travel.

British Midland

• No travel restrictions up to the 30th week of pregnancy.
• A doctor's certificate is required for pregnant travelers in their 30th to 36th week of pregnancy. Travel after the 36th week of pregnancy is not normally allowed (32 weeks if carrying multiples).

Cathay Pacific 

• Cathay Pacific accepts pregnant passengers with uncomplicated pregnancies (single pregnancies) up to their 36th week. Pregnant passengers anticipating a multiple birth are accepted up to their 32nd week.
• A doctor's or midwife's certificate may be required. Cathay advises pregnant passengers to carry a medical certificate after 28 weeks.
• Cathay Pacific advises against heavy lifting during pregnancy, so particular care should be exercised regarding luggage.

China Airlines

• Pregnant passengers are not permitted to fly after the 32nd week of pregnancy.
• China Airlines advises pregnant passengers that some countries may have restrictions placed on pregnant travellers in regards to entering foreign countries. Pregnant travellers should verify with the embassy or consulate of a country should there be any question of being allowed to enter a country.

Continental Airlines

 

• Medical certificate required if traveling within seven days of due date. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and is fit to travel.

Delta Airlines

 

• No restrictions for pregnant travelers.
• Delta Airlines does suggest referring to a medical professional to make sure that pregnant passengers travelling within one month of due date are fit to travel.

Easyjet

• No restrictions for pregnant passengers traveling up to the 27th week of pregnancy.
• Doctor's certificate required if travelling between the 28th and 35th week of pregnancy. Certificate must be issued by a doctor or midwife, and must be dated within 5 days of the outbound travel date.
• No travel is permitted beyond the 36th week of pregnancy.

Japan Airlines 

• Japan Airlines asks all pregnant passengers to advise them at the time that the booking is completed.
• Travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy, or if a pregnant passenger has previously had a multiple birth means that a medical certificate will be required. The certificate must be signed by the attending physician dated within seven days of departure stating that she is fit to travel, along with the due date and any other considerations that may important inflight.
• At 36 weeks, a consent form is also required, and for pregnant passengers expecting multiples, or previous premature births.
• For travel within two weeks of the anticipated due date pregnant passengers may only travel if accompanied by an obstetrician.

Jetstar

Domestic Travel:

• you have a normal pregnancy , no medical clearance is required.
• you have a complicated pregnancy , medical clearance is required.
• you have an uncomplicated multiple pregnancy , medical clearance is not required provided travel is completed by the end of the 36 th week of pregnancy. There must be 28 days between the date travel is completed and the date on which you are due to give birth. You must carry a letter from a registered/licensed medical practitioner stating that your pregnancy is progressing normally and specifying the date on which you expect to give birth.

International Carriage:

• you have a normal pregnancy, all of your travel must be completed by the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy. There must be 28 days between the date travel is completed and the date on which you are due to give birth. You must also carry a letter from a registered/licensed medical practitioner stating that your pregnancy is progressing normally, and specifying the date on which you expect to give birth.
• you have a complicated pregnancy, medical clearance is required.
• you have an uncomplicated multiple pregnancy, medical clearance is not required provided travel is completed by the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy. There must be 56 days between the date your travel is completed and the date on which you are due to give birth. You must carry a letter from a registered/licensed medical practitioner stating that your pregnancy is progressing normally, and specifying the date on which you are due to give birth.

KLM

• Suggests consulting a medical profession prior to embarking on air travel at any time during pregnancy.
• KLM advises that pregnant passengers should not travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy, or after the 34th week of pregnancy if expecting a multiple birth.
• For Air France, travel beyond 36 weeks requires a medical certificate.

Korean Air 

• There are no travel restrictions for pregnant passengers up to their eighth month of pregnancy unless their care provider advises against it.
• Travelling beyond the eighth month of pregnancy means that a medical certificate must be provided. The certificate must be signed by the attending physician dated within 72 hours of departure stating that she is fit to travel, along with the due date and any other considerations that may important inflight.
• After the eighth month of pregnancy two sets of Declaration of Indemnity must also be completed at check-in.
• Advises against travelling past 37 weeks.

Lufthansa

• No restrictions for pregnant passengers during the first eight months of pregnancy (to 36 weeks) provided the pregnancy is considered free of complications.
• A certificate of exemption for a flight after the 36th week is required and must pregnancy be obtained from Lufthansa’s medical service. Also required for a complicated pregnancy, such as carrying multiples, or premature contractions.
• Lufthansa advises against travel if a pregnant woman is expecting more than one baby, or has cardiovascular health problems.
• Suggests consulting a medical professional prior to travel at any time during pregnancy.
• Because the threat of thrombosis (blood clots) is increased during pregnancy, Lufthansa suggests wearing compression stockings and elevating feet during flight.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS)

If you are travelling during pregnancy, you will require a letter from a doctor or midwife confirming good health and expected date of delivery should be made available for verification beyond the 28th week of pregnancy. Medical clearance is required for pregnant women if delivery is expected in less than 5 weeks after the departure date or if any complications in delivery may be expected.

The following are cases not recommended for women to travel:

• After 32nd week of pregnancy for those with multiple pregnancies (e.g. twins).
• After 35th week of pregnancy for international flights.
• After 36th week of pregnancy for domestic sectors.
• Until 7 days after delivery.

Mexicana

• Pregnant passengers within three months of due date are required to present a medical certificate. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and is fit to travel. Certificate must be dated within seven days of departure.
• A limited liability form must also be signed by the pregnant passenger.

Philippine Airlines

• Pregnant travellers will be accepted until 35 weeks of pregnancy.
• Pregnant travellers are required to complete an Expectant Mothers Information Sheet (available at Philippine Airlines Ticket Offices). The information sheet is valid for seven days from the date of issue. It is also available for download online Expectant Mothers Information Sheet

Qantas

• Pregnant passengers only require medical clearance if experiencing a pregnancy with complications.
• After the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies), international travel is not permitted.
• After the 32nd week of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies), international travel is not permitted.
• No restrictions for domestic travel, but medical clearance is required to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.
• Qantas advises pregnant passengers that some countries may have restrictions placed on pregnant travelers in regards to entering foreign countries. Pregnant travellers should verify with the embassy or consulate of a country should there be any question of being allowed to enter a country.

Ryanair

• No travel restrictions for pregnant travelers up to the 28th week of pregnancy. Ryanair may ask a pregnant traveler to sign an indemnity to confirm that pregnancy is not past the 28th week.
• From the 28th to 36th week of pregnancy a doctor's certificate stating that the passenger is fit to travel and the expected due date is required.
• Pregnant women within their last four weeks of pregnancy (last eight weeks if carrying multiples) are not accepted for travel under any circumstances.

SAS

• No restrictions during first eight months of pregnancy.
• A medical information form, MEDIF, is required for pregnant women traveling between two to four weeks of expected delivery date, and travel must be approved by the SAS Medical Department. Travel during this time of pregnancy must be limited to four hours per flight on SAS.
• Within two weeks of due date, pregnant passengers are not permitted to travel.

Singapore Airlines (SIA)

• Singapore Airlines does not accept pregnant passengers beyond the 35th week of pregnancy for a single, uncomplicated pregnancy, and 32 weeks for an uncomplicated pregnancy of multiples.
• Pregnant passengers must also obtain a medical certificate, issued by your doctor (including fitness for travel, weeks pregnant, and estimated due date). Reservations may request the medical certification at the time of booking.
• If the booking and departure dates are more than one month apart, a new certificate should be issued (by your attending gynaecologist) not more than 3 days before departure. This certificate will have to be presented at check-in when requested.
• Singapore Airlines advises pregnant passengers that some countries may have restrictions placed on pregnant travellers in regards to entering foreign countries. Pregnant travellers should verify with the embassy or consulate of a country should there be any question of being allowed to enter a country.

Southwest Airlines

• Suggests pregnant passengers at all stages of pregnancy should seek the advice of a medical professional prior to travel.
• Pregnant passengers may not be permitted to sit in the emergency exit row depending on their physical capabilities.
• Recommends not travelling within 14 days of due date. 

South African Airways

• Passengers who are beyond the 35th week of pregnancy will not be accepted for travel on international flights without a doctor's certificate. Travel with a doctor's certificate is also subject to the approval of South African Airways medical officials.
• Passengers who are beyond the 36th week of pregnancy will not be accepted for travel on domestic flights without a doctor's certificate. Travel with a doctor's certificate is also subject to the approval of South African Airways medical officials.
• A doctor's certificate is also required for any high risk/complicated pregnancies regardless of stage of pregnancy (and cleared by the airline's medical desk).

Tiger Airways

• Pregnant women must have completed their journey in full by the 35th week of pregnancy.
• Flying is not permitted following the 35th week.
• A medical certificate is required to confirm that the passenger is fit to travel between the 30th and 35th week.
• Passengers in this period of their pregnancy must contact their Call Centre to arrange such bookings.

United Airlines

 

• Pregnant passengers traveling within a month of the due date must obtain a medical certificate dated within 72 hours of departure stating that she is fit to travel.

US Airways

 

• Doctor's certificate required if travelling within seven days of due date. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and is fit to travel. Certificate must be dated within 72 hours of flight departure.

Virgin Atlantic

• Travel is permitted without restrictions until the 28th week of pregnancy provided that the pregnancy is free from complications.
• Virgin Atlantic asks that their Special Assistance department be informed of pregnancy so that they can supply appropriate inflight health advice.
• Between the 28th and 36th weeks of pregnancy a doctor's or midwife's certificate is required. The certificate must state that the passenger is safe for travel and the expected due date (32 weeks if carrying multiples in an uncomplicated pregnancy).
• Beyond the 36th week of pregnancy, travel is only permitted for medical/compassionate reasons and the pregnant passenger is required to be accompanied by a medical escort. This travel is subject to the approval of a Virgin Atlantic doctor.

Bon Voyage!