My Breastfeeding Journey

My breastfeed journey

Pejam celik pejam celik macam tak percaya Baby E dah more than a year old. Feels like just yesterday I carry her inside of me and held her in my arms for the first time.

I remember how determined I was to breastfeed exclusively sekurang-kurangnya the first six months.

Was it easy? Seriously?…. NOT. Not for me at least.

From the very first moment, I just didnt know what to do. I had problem with latching. Unsure if Im doing the right thing. My caesarean scar was aching at every move. And the fact that Baby E is crying and looking unsatisfied after each feed, often brings myself to cry too. 

Long story short, the first few days after delivery were all tears.

THEN... things get better....

We started to get to know each other. And feeding felt... easier...

In my arms she snuggles comfortably, Wrapping her little fingers in me. 

I can feel her heartbeat everytime I pull her close.. She would then look up and flash the cutest smile...

My heart melts....

I know she feels safe. Cause silently i felt the same way too. 

Its not always bright and sunny though.

There were days of pain and discomfort from sore and cracked nipples. Inflammation or mastitis? 

Owh yes.... I had that too. 

What I learned is that breastfeeding is a process. Just like riding a bike,

You need to learn how to and so does your baby.

Every mother journey are different. Mine lasted for 6 months exclusively before it took a complete detour leaving me to switch to formula mixing with solid food. 

Am I a winner? Nope but Im not a loser neither.

What's important...

I tried my best, The longest I could.. to ensure a healthy starts for my lil one.

TIPS

Drink lots of water 

You need liquid to continue production, And Definitely lots of em. Drink at least 9 -12 glass of water to keep u and your precious hydrate

Low milk supply Consistency is the key. Supply and demand. Make sure to continue direct breastfeed or pump out milk every 2-3 hours to stabilise milk production.

Night feed / pump I swear night pump and breastfeed really helps in producing more milk. The downside you have to wake up in the middle of the night regardless baby started sleeping all night. Betul kata orang, to win some, you gotto lose some.

Healthy menu Milk produce straight from what mummy consume. So eat healthy mama! 

Latching problem Check your positioning. Babies chin and nose should touch breast while lips splay out. Ask opinion from other breastfeed mum or get in touch with lactation consultant for some help.

Sore nipples let some milk stay on nipples to air dry after feed. The milk actually helps to heal em. 

Clogged / Plug Ducts / Mastitis The key to breastfeed is frequent and consistence emptying. Continue to direct feed as much as possible. You can also use hands pumping. DO NOT STOP. Apply warm compresses or take warm shower while massaging your breast to stimulate milk movement. If you are starting to have fever or feeling chill consult a doctor.

Travelling / flying You can help minimise air pressure from flying and keeps baby calm during take off and landing by direct feeding. The key is happy baby, happy parents.

Breastfeed is beautiful journey Make sure you are getting enough rest, do not stress and enjoy the bonding

 Swollen feet uhuh just days before labour

I was 79KG at 9 months pregnant

Us at 6 month - I lost half my pregnancy weight while Baby E continue to gain more

My number one support system - MrG 

Daddy support plays a major role in the success of breastfeeding for new mum. So dads please hold our hands when we are feeling lost, Tell us its alright and do not let us give up. Mr G Thanks for being my number one fan and moral support. We loves you always.  

xxx

Travel Junkie Mum

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel from Sephora

Philosophy Microdelivery Peel

Its been months since i had the privilege to indulge with monthly facial appointment.

I used to... Ive always enjoyed a good 90 min well spent with my favorite beautician.

But that was yearssssss back.

Guessing most majority new mum like me are all facing the same problem kan. If only we could have more time...

So today waktu jejalan for luncheon at Avenue K. i had a quick stop at Sephora and purchased Philosophy Microdelivery Peel set which claims to improve skin tone in under 5 min just once a week.

Hook! I purchased my first Philosophy item.

Tak sabar nak cuba. Applied the duo for the first time once i put baby e to bed back home.

Price was around RM285 tak salah. But Sephora were running some promotion if u spend more than RM300 with CIMB credit or debit card. You will get RM50 voucher for your next purchase.

Coming from marketing background i know this is all a gimmick butttt tetap terpedaya. And So I topped up RM40 for a set of Sephora mask and volla RM50 cash voucher is now mine. lol

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel

 How the 2 jars included in The Microdelivery Peel set that you need to apply just once a week 

Warna peel ni seakan warna citrus and smells like one too. (which i like)

To use : Cuci muka dengan normal cleanser and pat dry before cuit lebih kurang size 1 sudu kecil and slowly massage all over your skin avoiding eyes and lips area for 1 minit. Then picit the other product which looks seakan gel  and gently massage lagi on to the skin dlm 2-3 min sebelum rinse dengan warm water..

Untuk fefeling macam kat salon. I apply the sephora mask and relax for 20 minute before finishing off with my mousturizer. 

The predict?

Well its too early to tell if this actually improve my skin. Butttt what i do notice after my first application. Kulit rasa tegang and pores rasa kecil. I also like the smell of the product. I did some goggle and people claim a tinggling feels on the skin. But I tak rasa sangat. Did i apply it wrongly? Hurm not to sure either.

Time will tell. I will continue to use this Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel for few more time before coming back to update on my review. I do hope to see some positive transformation to my skin.

Till then...


xxx

Travel Junkie Mum

Sekeping Serendah

Sekeping Serendah Warehouse

I had the privilege of spending a night at Sekeping Serendah recently with our team as a token for their fab performance over Ramadhan and Lebaran.

The gang was given options of places to choose from for a short mid week company getaway to bond and destress.

Sekeping Serendah warehouse 2 selected

Didnt know what to expect, we gathered at 12pm on the day of travel and left the building in 2 cars packed with 11 pax, sufficient food and bbq supplies for one night stay.

From Damansara drove via LDP down to Sg Buloh and interchange to NKVE heading to Rawang.

Waze direction was 90% accurate and took a good 1 hour and a half to reach. 

First impression WOW

The retreat is a definite one of a kind.

Set passed kampung orang asli, backdrop by forest and jungle, the Warehouse 2 brings a refreshing option.

No its not a 5 star hotel where you could easily hail for buttler or room service.

Yet, with its minimalist deco, functional amenities and ability to overnight with the sound of nature in a more comfortable setting is a definite win!

Forget about watching tv or browsing facebook or instagram on your mobile cause phone reception is pretty poor to some and non existent to me.

Instead take this opportunity to enjoy leisurely walk to a refreshing waterfall spot. (20 min by foot from Sekeping Serendah) Swimming in an infinity pool surrounded by the nature, team up with a group of friends or family members for some good bbq dinner before hours of chit chatting filled with laughter, card games and acapella singing at minimal interruption.

Will I return? A definite yes!

Its an experience I wont mind repeating

Useful Tips to consider

1. Make sure you come full prepared with food, drinks, cigarette supply as the nearest shop/restaurant is 15-20 min away by car.

2. Come with an open mind - Its an experience like no other.

3. Please remember to bring black coffee! if you are a coffee drinker like me. They provide only packet milo and 3 in 1 coffee. Ive missed out on bringing some. sigh

4. Bring towel and toiletries as its not provided.

5. Prepare some games or trivia to play with friends or family.

6. There's sufficient electic plug if you need to charge phone, put up speaker or even use a hair dryer.

7. Arrive early (check in time is at 2pm) so you have sufficient time to unpack, prepare some meal before heading down to nearby waterfall area

8. MUST DO - walk to waterfall

9. My opinion Warehouse 2 layout at Sekepeing Serendah are not very suitable for younger kids due to its location in the forest and layout of the rooms/space.

10. Plan the trip with closed friends or loved ones and just have fun!

xxx

Travel Junkie Mum

Warehouse 2 view

Super chic lounging area behind 3 toilets

Sekeping Serendah

Basic utensils, pot and wok is provided.

Dining area next to bbq pit

4 amazing days at Dusit Thani Krabi

Dusit Thani Krabi

Pengalaman pertama menginap at this Thai hotel chained shout 1 word.

Amazing!

From the moment of arrival

sehingga ke saat terakhir.

An absolute thai hospitality at its best

Flight via Airasia took less than 2 hours untuk ke Krabi.

Cost Rm1000 untuk 2 dewasa dan 1 infant

on a super last minute booking - Ie 2 hari sebelum

Again, I highly recommend DO NOT book last minute

cause u could definitely save so much.

But then again if you are a last minute holiday seeker.

Krabi by Air Asia is still an affordable option to consider. 

Location : Nong Thale

Transportation dari airport ke Dusit Thani Krabi cost 700 bth one way in a private car 

Easily purchased setibanya di airport dengan jarak less than 45 minutes.

15 minit dari pantai Ao Nang dan 30 minit dari Krabi town.

Dusit Thani Krabi is situated on its own pantai private

dan di kelilingi banyak restaurant (halal dan non halal),

kedai dan massage parlour.

Sangat sesuai untuk mereka yang impikan percutian tepian pantai

A good choice for family travellers for peace, quiet and zen.

We stayed in their Deluxe Club room for 1 night

and move to private pool suite the remaining stay.

Our predict :

Club Deluxe room

Room size are decent as what normal deluxe room would be

Toilet is comfortable and clean

Cukup besar untuk mandikan baby kecil with sepearate standing shower dan bath tub

We were located on highest floor / 3rd floor with good balcony size

partial view of the greens to enjoy some smoke, drinks and coffee

Price per room per night around THB4000

Dusit Thani Club Deluxe Room

Dusit Thani Krabi Club Deluxe Room balcony

Dusit Thani Krabi Club Deluxe bathroom

Dusit Thani Krabi 1 Bedroom Pool Suite 

Room size is big.

Terbahagi kepada 4 bahagian

- Bilik tidur, Tv area / Study area, Toilet dan pool

Modernly design, comfortable bed, bersih (spotless actually)

Located di tingkat bawah same building as the deluxe room

with the clooset distance to main pool and beach

Room price THB900 per night booked straight from Dusit Thani Krabi Website

Masterbed with door to our private pool

TV room connected with a study table

Dusit Thani 1 bedroom Private Pool Room

Fun time with miss rock star

Overall I highly recomend on both room at Dusit Thani Krabi.

Choose depanding on your budget

To me the only different between bilik suite dan deluxe

cuma size and the privilege of having your own private pool

We choose private pool cause its more convenient cause we travelled with cik sentil. Its easier to put her to nap before and after swims

xxx
Travel Junkie Mum

Packing list - Beach getaway with si kecil

Ok kali ni I nak share some of my packing list when travelling with cik sentil.

This time kami plan for a beach holiday.

Selalunya bila travel saya suka bawa

1 x beg XXL untuk check-in filled with my stuff, Baby E and Daddy sekali.

1 x beg cabin beroda untuk di bawa masuk ke pesawat.

Kenapa?

Mostly dalam beg cabin ni ada brang persalinan baby, susu, toys dan lain-lain

to ensure a smooth flight with si kecil

And reason why beg beroda untuk memudahkan proses membawa nya nanti.

It goes the same kenapa we choose to minimize bag count

supaya takde la byk sgt bag nak carry nanti

Think easy, light and stress free.

Secondly untuk handbag pula

I prefer either carry something really small and sling OR big and light.

Untuk kali ni I choose big and light

Ok jumping straight to the packing list.

Here you go a sample of my must bring untuk percutian 4 hari 3 malam ke tepian pantai

Some of baby toiletries yang wajib bawa

Clothes

Baby E akan conquer most of the space

This will be some must bring item to ensure a smooth flight with si kecil

Berhari Raya di Prince Court Medical Center

Prince Court Medical Center

As usual we celebrated this year raya in KL.

Excited? I was! Knowing this will be our second year together with cik sentil.

Mummy got some pretty kurungs for Baby E.

God knows that wasnt easy. Browsing, googling, dragging MrG up and down Bangsar, Damansara, Publika and KL to find matchy colors.

Buttt it was unfortunate that my girl was down with high fever few days before the festive kicked-in.

Her temperature was goin up and down like a yo-yo with highest reaching up to 39.8.

2 hari before raya. We decided to get her re-check at Prince Court Medical Center.

Doctor suggested for her to be admitted due to high temperature and she refuse to makan for few days dah.

It wracks my heart bila nurse cucuk her lil hand 

to get some blood sample and masukkan air.

Check-in at Prince Court Medical Center emergency area was smooth.

Took less than 2 hours from waktu sampai, jumpa doctor, ambil darah and getting a room.

Prince Court Medical Center ward room is the best ive seen so far in KL for the price its worth.

Even their standard standard room pun dah very comfortable with - single bedded. carpeted, simple yet nice deco.

And a view worth of  thousand ringgits at a 5 star hotel - the twin tower smiling directly at us.

Our romantic berbuka at Prince Court Medical Center

Nurses and staff was also very attentive.

Kudos to the team!

Although most of the staff berbangsa melayu and of course celebrate hari raya. they are still there.

Leaving their family and self need. Putting others first. taking care of the sick with smiles and love.

Usually Im not a very easy person to pleased. I can be kinda pain to deal with to some.

But this round Imma satisfied customer.

Im rating 5 stars on their comfort, service and medical care.

And food is sedap like seriously sedappps.

A+ for providing meal to one parent when kids get admitted.

and for the patient, they even provide blended menu for infants.

Best! Im a happy mum!

We were there including malam raya and was only release by doctor petang raya pertama,

First time for all of us to beraya di hospital.

Yet on second note. raya kat mana pun tak penting. whats important we are together, safe and sound.


XoXo
Selamat Hari Raya
From the three of us

Daddy's girl

Ok dah balik! Jom raya!

Birthday Tiffin Lunch @ Majestic Kuala Lumpur

Seperti rutin tahunan. June is back where we annually celebrates MrG birthday.

Took me awhile to figure out the best gift for him this year. 

Bila di tanya what do you want for your birthday? 

"No, you tak payah buy i anything. Keep the money for baby A saving." 

Hummm dilemma kan. 

As much as i understand and believe in the concept of saving. Im also a believer that its a must to celebrate once in awhile especially for special occasion. Fun and save should go hand in hands. Kata orang live a little. And appreciate your loved ones. Life is too short to waste on all worries. 

And so I think hard. What would excites him. 

After few deep thoughts Ive decided to throw him a special luncheon with some of his close friends and a romantic hotel stay-in-town as a gift. Making it more of a memories gift instead of material things.

Reason - Since becoming new parents, McG jarang have that privilege to spend quality time with the boys. It could either be work or family first. And time seems too short in a day to have it all.

And so I did the necessary. Browsing for the best place. And prepping on-how-to-where-to

With the help from few of his close ones. I booked a table for 12 at Coloniel Cafe, Majestic Hotel. Kuala Lumpur for an intimate sunday tiffin luncheon with the birthday boy. 

Its a tiffin banana-leaf semi-formal lunch. Knowing too well. this pakcik is a huge fan for curry and such. Kinda like his sort of bread and butter for mat salleh. But for McG its a curry. Having it serve ala ala magkuk tingkat will be a sure win. Complete with Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur beautiful setting and piano mesmerizing. It will be perfect for his kinda outting. 

The night before, as a suprise prep. Ive packed all our stuff. Me, him and Baby A's luggage and quietly carried it out into our car bonnet siap-siap. 

Morning of the eve of his birthday which was a Sunday. woke him up and told pakcik to get dress saying we're going out. No question, no reason. period.

We left home around noon and I took the lead driving the three of us,

Alhamdullilah we arrived just in time and the boys and their partner dah sampai

Surpriseeeeeeee! I bet he was. 

We had lunch, some laugh, smile and tears. 

With good food, closed ones in a beautiful heritage site. Majestic Kuala Lumpur was just superb and I definitely recommend this hotel to eveyone in search for a good celebration venue .  

The boys @ Majestic Kuala Lumpur

Tiffin Lunch yes!

Ok daddy's first candle blow with Echah, while shes not in her best mood

The older wing suite room at Majestic Kuala Lumpur

Percutian ke Phuket

Destination - Phuket

Me, MrG and Baby E went for a short getaway earlier May.

It was a birthday present from MrG. A combo celebration with Mother's day.

It was a crazy month for both of us at work, Baby E and home that we only managed to book the trip  the night before. The cons : last minute air tix normally cost more.

We flew on Air Asia for this trip with tickets cost less than RM1000 for a return flight for 2 adults and 1 infant. This includes baggage, food and premium seat selection.

Not too bad actually but word of advice its always best to book ahead of time. Kalau book wayyyy in advance especially during sales period pasti dapat harga yang lebih murah. Could easily save half or even more than what we had to pay.

So the plan was to stay 2 nights in Kata + 2 nights in Ma Khao = 5 days 4 night trip

Why stay in two different area on the same trip?

 Well. Thats how we occasionally plan our trips. A win win value for money. Enjoy luxurious yet keep it affordable.

Kicking off in a cheeper option, to enjoy more outdoor activities without feeling the waste. Dine in restaurants nearby and enjoy good massage at a cheeper rate.

Then move to a nicer quieter resort or villa far far away

The trip would be our 10th visit to Phuket. ok I'm #Exaggerating

But ya we've been here way too many time and so far have stayed in most areas including - Patong, Kamala, Surin, Kata and Ma Khao..

But Kata has always been our favourite.

I often hear complaints by other parents. Travelling with infant can be challenging.

But Alhamdullilah we've enjoyed our trips most with Baby E and look forward to explore together in future. Insyaallah.

Asalkan baby e cukup makan, susu and nap. we're good to go.

Word of advice. Make sure you pack sufficient clothes, milk and diapers from home. Yes you can always buy at the location but its always best to come full prepared. Save you the hassle to cari-cari kedai there.

Location of your accomodation should also be taken into consideration when travelling with younger kids.

Too much sun no no for younger kids. Try to look for hotel within the area you wanna spend time most.

So when ever they need to take a nap or wash up after poo poo. You know you're close by.

On this trip we stayed at SugarPalm Hillside in Kata

The pros - Pool access room for RM190 per night, couple of steps from our comfy bed we can jump straight into the pool. Good food, massage, beach is just around the corner (less than 5 min walk) at an unbelievable cheap price, Kata is less crowded compared to Patong with zero party scene.

Cons : The hotel is situated on a hill, A walk up and down, expecially when pushing a stroller can be challenging.

Thai pancake the best! Its halal too. Dekat je dengan hotel

Fresh juice or shake on hot sunny day for THB100

Ma Khao on the other hand, are super secluded. Far from it all. (Like super far) An hour from Patong but closer to airport about 15-20 minutes away. Surrounded by few resorts.

We stayed at Sala Phuket for 2 nights before ending our trip.

The predict : Sumpah best! Highly recommended.

The pool villa cost RM650 per night including breakfast.

Yes it may not be cheap for some but if you have the extra and searching for that perfect villa to be. They are worth every penny.

Why? It was a definitely relaxing, memorable. romantic and one of our favourite villa-to-go-to so far.

So much fun. Jumping into our private pool. Lazing around with no worries in the world. Watching the sunset by the beach. and just be us. for a fabulous 3 days.

Overall the trip to SugarPalm Hillside Kata and Sala Phuket just what Ive expected and wanted for my bday celebration.

P.S. Thank you McG. I love you. Always and of course Baby E.

XoXo
Your wife

entree to our Pool villa at Sala Phuket

Uhuh our very own private pool and outdoor bathroom for 3 days 2 nights

Please excuse the messiness

The main pool at Sala Phuket

Free ice tea by the pool anyone?

The breakfast buffet spread. Some of the best Ive tasted so far