My breastfeeding journey

 

Dear future mommies,

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, yet challenging journey. Whether you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, exclusive pumping or bottle feeding your baby, it's totally up to you and remember that your choice won't make you less of a mother.

My breastfeeding journey started as early as my pregnancy. I determined to breastfeed my baby because of tremendous benefits of it. For the baby, and for the mommy. But those benefits won't come easy, although it's a natural thing and breastfeeding probably exists since Prophet Adam era, there is a lot for me to learn and it doesn't come naturally.

But till today, after almost 4 months of breastfeeding Iryss, I strongly believe that determination is the main key for breastfeeding.

Because of my determination, I started reading blogs on breastfeeding, watch videos on YouTube and I'm sure you can find them on the net and I started doing what I felt right for me.

To begin with, I started eating milk booster as soon as I was 6-month pregnant and particularly these two: 

You can buy this from this link: Nufiya Milk Booster

You can buy yours from this link: Milk booster cookies

 Nufiya drink worked as I started leaking towards the end of pregnancy, but I stopped consuming it because my sugar reading is kinda high. So, I just stick to the lactation cookies. They are not too sweet and delicious too!

When giving birth to Iryss, my hospital didn't teach me on how to breastfeed right away because I was going through c-section, so I couldn't even sit upright for 24h. Iryss was bottle-fed (formula milk). During my 2nd day only the nurse taught me how to breastfeed. It was such a short session, I wish they provide longer session for new moms.

In Melaka, we're lucky to get nurses come and visit us at home everyday till the 10th day, and alternate days till 20th day. So the nurses help me out with breastfeeding. They also shared tips and tricks on how to breastfeed and they gave me hope to continue doing so. Not gonna lie, your nipples are gonna hurt, lucky for me they didn't bleed. It's hard to get baby latching during the first few days. But you gotta push for it. 

I continue eating the lactation cookies and another thing that works for me was bertunku (hot compress) around breast area and at my back. That really helped in stimulating more milk in the beginning.

You can buy it from this link: Tanamera hot compress

Because my milk production wasn't a lot initially, I kept doing that before pumping. Yes, I was exclusively pumping in the beginning because Iryss didn't latch. But the nurses told me, to stimulate more milk, and to teach Iryss how to properly latch, I had to direct breastfeed her. 

Later, Iryss got jaundice. It's pretty high and the doctor at clinic advised on alternately giving formula milk, so we did. At that time, my milk production has improved and because I didn't own a proper breast pump, I experienced breast engorgement (bengkak susu). Oh my god, that time, I was crying so much because it hurt like hell. With my c-section wound, I couldn't walk or sleep properly, with learning how to deal with baby, with painful breasts, I broke down.

Luckily, I found a trick on how to reduce breast engorgement on tiktok and this blog and you can check it out here: https://milkbarbreastpumps.com.au/blogs/breastfeeding/clear-a-blocked-duct-with-your-haakaa-epsom-salts

It helped a lot!

Another trick I learned was to consume Sunflower Lecithin as it has been recommended to combat recurrent plugged ducts. I'm gonna you save some time and not to try searching for one at physical pharmacy because they didn't sell Sunflower Lecithin there. The only have soy lecithin. 

You can buy it from this link: NOW Sunflower Lecithin

After that incident, I learned my lesson. To always pump whenever I feel my breast is 'full'. And to always invest in good wireless pump.

I'm thankful to find this wireless pump, though it's not the most exclusive one, it works well and easy to be used. I buy mine from this link: Youha wireless pump

With determination, patience, perseverance and good support system, alhamdulillah Iryss is fully breastfed now. 

My doctor recommends me to continue taking pregnancy supplements when breastfeeding. I also consume supplements that help me with my milk production and give me all nutrients needed for me and Iryss. Here are the supplements I consume on daily basis:

Before breakfast:

I'd drink 1 glass of Wildan goat milk (chocolate flavor) that's mixed with 1 scope of Shaklee ESP, a plant-based soy protein drink for long-lasting energy.

Then, I'd take 1 tablet of Surbex Calcium-D3 and 3 tables of Shaklee Omega

I feel much more energized after taking these supplements and not gonna lie, Shaklee ESP is so sedap that I'm looking forward to drink it every morning.

After lunch

I'd take 1 tablet of Blackmores Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Formula, together with 4 tables of Shaklee Alfalfa Complex. 

After dinner

I'd take another 4 tablets of Alfalfa Complex and drink another glass of Wildan goat milk with 1 scope of Shaklee ESP.

Please consult your doctor before consuming any of these supplements. I'm just sharing my routine with you.

You can order yours from the following links: -

- Wildan goat milk (chocolate flavor)

- Surbex Calcium D3

- Shaklee ESP

- Shaklee OmegaGuard

- Blackmores Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Formula

- Shaklee Alfalfa Complex

I just registered as member for Shaklee because I'm using their products and I saved a lotttt! If you're interested to try Shaklee products and interested to becoming a member, you can DM me on instagram, @aliahnazamusa. Only sharing what's good for me and my pocket hahaha

Although I'm directly breastfeeding and I prefer doing so, I also bottle train Iryss during working hours. So I'd stock up my milk and store them in a milk storage plastic that I bought from this link: Momo House milk storage bags

my milk stock

This Shopee store sells cheap and high quality storage bag. If I were on the go, I'd bring my pump and a few pieces of milk storage bags in this cooler bag: https://shp.ee/8k69bd3. Super convenient!

As for baby bottles, I got lucky because I bought 1 complete set of Tommee Tippee Feeding Kit for half its price. It includes 1 x Steriliser, 1 x Bottle Warmer, 2 x Bottle Carriers, 4 x 260ml PP Bottle, 4 x 150ml PP Bottle, 1 x Bottle and Teat brush, 4 x Milk powder dispensers, 1 x 0-6m soother, 1 x Teat Tongs. So worth it! For only RM659. 

You're lucky, because Tommee Tippee official Shopee store has the same discount today: https://shp.ee/rutcbb3

Bottle train is important especially if you're returning to work. Do not start too early because your baby might be confused between your breast and the bottle, but do not start too late like Aliah here. Because Iryss would cry a river during every bottle train session lol.

I only bottle train her during working hours and at night, it'd be direct feeding, as it helps with milk production as well. 

To be able to breastfeed Iryss is definitely a great blessing. Every time after feeding, Iryss will smile and that automatically brightens my day. I hope I can breastfeed her till she's turning 2 years old. I hope every mother that's reading this will experience the joy and gift of breastfeeding.

Till my next post.

xo

Shopee Finds - Newborn Nursery, Diapering and Bath Essentials

Hello there, if you haven't checked out my post on newborn clothing and gear essentials, please do so :)

In this post, I will share my essentials for nursery, diapering and bath and where did I buy them (Hint: Shopee) lol.

Newborn Nursery Essentials

A baby’s room calls for adorable decor for sure, but you’ll also need furniture and baby bedding that will make infant care all the easier (and safer). Here are my baby nursery essentials:

• Crib or playpen

For baby crib, though people will say your baby will end up sleeping between you two, I feel like it's still essential and safe to do so. Some would go for the wooden crib, but as for us, we bought a playpen for Iryss. So it can be used for a longer time as you can adjust the height of playpen.

We actually surveyed Iryss' Graco playpen at Isetan KLCC. Unfortunately, they don't deliver to your home. When we were surveying for playpen, I was heavily pregnant hahah so there's no way we could carry that home.

It's such a coincident because this playpen is the same one as my brother's and that had been passed down to my sister four years later. So we're confident this playpen can be used for long.

You can buy this via the following link: Graco playpen

• Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib (less than two fingers should fit between the mattress and crib)

When we surveyed for the playpen, the sales girl also showed us the right mattress than can fit the playpen. We bought this Bumble Bee Latex Mattress at Isetan but I found the same one on Shopee :)

Although, it's quite pricey, it's worth it because the mattress is firm and quite heavy.

You can buy this via the following link: Playpen mattress

• 2-4 fitted crib sheets

And you'll definitely need sheets for your baby mattress kay? My favourite brand is Bumble Bee, though it has less selections but love the materials! You can also get them from Isetan KLCC :)

You can buy this via the following link: Mattress cover

• Dimple pillow 

The pillow features an ingenious head pocket to reduce pressure on the baby’s fragile skull and prevents flat head syndrome. It is suitable for babies who have a slight flat spot on the head as the pillow can help to shape the baby’s round head naturally, as long as the baby's head is not severely flattened. It also provides ultimate support for the head, neck and shoulders of the baby and reduces the risk of suffocating. The Baby Dimple Latex Pillow is truly a natural, comfortable and healthy choice for your baby to sleep on nightly!

 

You can buy this via the following link: Dimple pillow 

Newborn Diapering Essentials

Changing a diaper may seem daunting at first, but trust us, you’ll get the hang of it—and these baby must-haves will help you pick it up even faster. Check out this list of baby necessities for diapering:

• 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers

I use MamyPoko Air Fit Newborn for Iryss. It has Newborn size and I bought 2 boxes (consist of 270 pieces of diapers per box) and later move on the S size till now. Do you know a baby can use up to 12 pieces of diapers per day? 12 is probably the max. Usually it'd be 8 min.

You can buy this via the following link: MamyPoko Air Fit

• 2-3 large boxes of baby wipes

You can never buy too many baby wipes because baby will use them for a long time. My favourite is Anakku baby wipes and I always buy like 80 packs of them in one go hahaha!

You can buy this via the following link: Anakku baby wipes

• 2 large tubes of diaper cream

Drapolene diaper cream ftw! This cream works wonder for nappy rash. Highly recommended!

You can buy this via the following link: Diaper cream

• Changing mat

Although the playpen has diaper changing side, we never use it haha! Instead, we're using this air filled changing mat from Shopee. Honestly, it's comfortable and Iryss sometimes fell asleep on it.

You can buy this via this link: Changing mat

• Diaper bag

I'm blessed with friends who gave me Sometime by Asian Designer diaper bag, it's spacious, has a lot of compartments and has changing mat too! It's super convenient!

You can buy this via the following link: Diaper bag

Baby Bath Essentials

Bath time can be tons of fun—at least, once you get a handle on that slippery baby. Best be prepared with all the right gear. These are the baby must-haves for the bath:

• Baby bathtub & cushion

People do talk about buying baby tub, but they don't tell you to get the cushion. Buy the one with cushion! It's super helpful. As a new mom, it's a bit awkward for me to hold my baby during the first few weeks, and this cushion has come in handy when bathing Iryss. 

As she grows bigger, the float helps a lot because  don't have the strength to hold her for long as she gains weight and she's more active now. She gets super excited when in water and this cushion comes to the rescue!

You can buy this via the following link: foldable tub and cushion

• Baby shampoo, body wash and lotion

Iryss has a mild sensitive skin, only Cetaphil works for her. I've found a Shopee store that sells relatively cheaper Cetaphil products. 

You can buy this via the following link: Cetaphil baby products

• 2-4 hooded baby towels

Hooded towels are easier and convenient to dry baby's head. And they're super cute too!

You can buy this via the following link: Hooded towel

• Soft washcloths & Minyak telon

I've reviewed my favourite washcloths and minyak telon in my previous post. You can check it out here: https://www.petitemalaygirl.com/2021/10/7-things-i-didnt-know-my-baby-would-need.html

I hope this will help you in a way to prepare for your newborn's arrival.

Thank you for reading. In my next post, I will share about my breastfeeding journey. 

Shopee FInds - Newborn Gear Essentials

If you haven't already, do check out my previous post on Shopee Finds - Newborn Wardrobe Essentials :)

Hello there, in this post I'm gonna with you Shopee Finds - Newborn Gear Essentials.

Whether you’re on the move or relaxing at home, you’ll need to need have some key baby gear at the ready. After all, at some point you’re going to need your arms back! Here are the baby must-haves to have on hand:

ps, I might be biased towards one brand but I'm only sharing what I love hehe

Joie Baby Carrier Car Seat

This is great when you're commuting back and forth for clinic / hospital visitation during the early days of post-pregnancy. It's not safe to hold your baby in the car, and I found infant car seat is a little bigger for newborn Iryss. You don't have to spend a fortune for carrier car seat because when they turn 3 month, they might not fit this anymore.

You can order yours from this link: joie baby carrier car seat

• Infant car seat or convertible car seat

This car seat can fit from baby up to 7-8 year old kid! Iryss sleeps so comfortably in this.

You can order yours from this link: joie infant car seat

• Stroller

I prefer this 4-in-1 stroller but it's not really 4-in-one if you don't have the carrier and cot. But stroller comes in handy even we're not going out that much because Iryss would be in stroller when we're eating in the kitchen and there's a phase when she preferred sleeping in one. It's so worth it!

You can order yours from this link: joie stroller

These are all the products we own and we're lucky enough because our family and colleagues sponsor them for Iryss. We have to keep them in good condition so we can pass them to our future kids hahaha

In my next video, I will share more on Newborn Nursery, Diapering and Bath Essentials :)

Stay tuned!

Shopee Finds - Newborn Wardrobe Essentials

 Hello, future mommies and daddies :)

I'm super excited each time I found out about fellow friends who are expecting!

Shopping for your newborn can be a little overwhelming especially if you have no idea what's needed and what's not. I'm sure you can google all the things needed for your baby and there are tonnes of blogs about it. In this post, I'm going to share with you all my newborn essentials that I personally bought and do not regret buying since I was 6-month preggo. 

I will also include all the Shopee links :)

Do you know that all amazing baby stores like mothercare, happikiddo, joie, Anakku have their own official stores on Shopee? Amazing right?!

So you don't have to create many accounts just to buy baby stuff. Add everything into your Shopee cart and you're good to fo!

If you haven't already, do join Shopee Mum's Club for more benefits!

Baby Wardrobe Essentials

It doesn’t get much cuter than tiny baby clothes, but you’ll want to pick out practical baby things that’ll keep your newborn comfy and cozy. When it comes to clothing, these are the baby must-haves:

• 4-8 onesies (envelope folds at the shoulders and snaps at the crotch)

I bought multiple sets from Gugu, it's a local brand that I discovered during baby fair! Fortunately, they also have their official store on Shopee. You can get yours now here: Gugu Newborn Onesies

The best thing is they have mittens, socks and hat together with the onesies, so for someone like me who loves color-coordinated outfit for my baby, Gugu is perfect!

You can also get yours from Anakku, I prefer buying Anakku outfits at Parkson, they have many choices there as compared to at their online stores.

• 4-8 shirts (kimono-style with snaps or envelope folds at the shoulders)

I bought most of Iryss' kimono-style from H&M physical store. In a way it's like onesie but with kimono style. So much easier to put this one baby.

• 4-8 pants (footies can be a great option)

I also prefer buying tights for Iryss from H&M. Zalora has great selections of H&M tights and you can buy them from this link: Zalora H&M Baby Leggings

• 4-8 one-piece pajamas

Gugu has great pyjamas for newborn baby too. It's zipped up version. It's easy to wear but the downside is that you gotta have to take off the whole outfit when changing diapers at night.

You can buy Gugu pyjamas from this link: Gugu pyjamas

For Iryss, I bought premature clothes from mothercare for her, the size fits baby who's below 3kg. You don't need many of them, just one set or two should be enough as your baby will outgrow them fast. You can buy this set from this link: mothercare premature set

ps, I only buy gender neutral colored clothes just to be safe hehe

• 1-3 dress-up outfits

You gotta spend wisely when it comes to buying baby clothes because they outgrow their clothes super fast. Shopee is always the best place to buy cheap and cute outfits for your baby. And mine is from this link: cute baby outfits

• Socks and mittens

Of course you would need socks and mittens too! I love matching her outfits with same colored socks. As for mittens, I didn't really put them on as Iryss turned a month old hehe #notguilty

You can buy cheap and 25 pairs of socks for less than RM50 here: cheap and cute socks

• Gentle laundry detergent

Lastly, you'd need gentle baby detergent. I'm torn between these two; Applecrumby Baby Laundry Detergent and Anakku Detergent With Softener.

Both are great but Anakku is much cheaper than Applecrumby hehe

I hope my suggestions will help you shopping for your baby. Treat shopping as a therapy, and as a form of excitement to welcome your newborn to this world. <3

In my next post, I will share Newborn Gear Essentials.

Stay tuned!