Hi Mummies
Wah, thread is so active.
Maggie
Do note that if you want to buy Medela pumps, they may not differ much at the various baby fairs, so if you think it's worth the price, just grab and go. That's for Medela pumps only. I am not very sure about the other brands.
Chubby Tiger
I am a SAHM. I decided to stay at home after my daughter turns one. She's picking up a lot of new things and I also wanted to be available for my aging parents.
When it comes to decisions like this, you need to know if you are financially sound (i.e. min 6 months of savings). If not, would your husband be able to cope without your income and without the necessary savings.
For my hubby and me, He flies overseas frequently for his job, so pay-wise is just slightly higher than average white-collar who are based at home. But I made the switch without the 6 months savings, so I came up with my own home business to earn some spending money for myself.
On top of the monthly household expenses, I have a maid and a car. So we are quite heavily taxed. But I am receiving quite a few enquiries for my home business, which is quite positive news for me.
Importantly, your husband must support your decision to stay home and expect it to last for quite a few years.
chillimum
I also old lady. I do my work at the dining table and whenever I need to get up, I am like an old lady with arthritis. I got very severe pain in the pelvic joint, and sometimes even my butt hurts.
btw, regards to swimming, you will float better due to pregnancy. So even if you don't know how to swim, just get yourself in the pool, stay by the edge and do some stretching exercises in the water will help with your joint aches and all.
Sue
During confinement, if you hire a CL or have someone who's helping you, she will help you bathe the infant.
Vivi
Sometimes if we walk a tad too much, Braxton Hicks (i.e. fake contractions) will come on. The tip is walk a little, rest a little. Once home, prop legs up on pillows to prevent cramps and swelling. If you have small stools at home, use them to prop up your legs while watching tv at the couch, will also help to reduce cramps and swellings.
For Braxton Hicks, they strike anytime of the day. So if you are standing, sit down. If you are seated, stand up or lie back. Braxton hicks will usually fade once you change position.
A gym ball is known as a birthing ball during labour. You can sit or lean against it during Stage 1 labour.
Massaging your breasts a month leading to birth will help stimulate the breast and prepare it for breastfeeding, yes. Trigger labour contractions? No. It's the suckling of nipples that MAY trigger labour contractions. Cos when you latch your bb for BF, the suckling action helps to contract your womb, that's how BF mummies slm down so fast.
Oh, stair climbing is good for tightening butts too. But better to do it post-partum. If you need to do so pre-natal, then keep it to less than 3 storeys. Better to check with gynae.
BBF
I don't mind the travel since I am driving. Hehehe... I can even give some mummies a lift, if necessary.
Hi Hon
Welcome to the thread!
Sumathi
One note on cot bumper: It is not necessary to put them in just yet, cos it may cause SID. So you may want to get it later, when your baby is slightly older and more active.
You can get 2 sets for items like nail clippers, changing mats, nappy cream, RU Yi Oil, Baby lotion, Thermometers and diaper bag. Cos some of us may have 2 change areas - bedroom and living room. So instead of moving the items about the house, just buy 2 sets. Diaper bag can get 1 big and 1 small. Small bag is for short trips to nearby malls, and big bag is for trips where you leave the house for the whole day.
Anne Raj
Give 2 weeks window for before and after EDD. Every mummy's pregnancy is different. My #1 was born in week 38, a day before my gynae appointment for week 38.
