Financial Perks and Assistance for having Babies in Singapore

As a newfound mummy, I cant helped but worry about the various expenses from Antenatal Package to Delivery Package to future 101 costs, it's really much of a headache. Thank goodness, with the National Library just next to my house, I dropped in occasionally to borrow all the local motherhood magazines for reference on the types of products available and a tip or two from the stories found in the magazines which is relevant and local to Singapore context.

So I came upon ths particular post about the various incentives of having babies in Singapore and I went on to do a little research around online and pick out those more relevant for me and decided to record it down for most of the mummies out there like me as I know we are suffering from those pregnancy brain (forgetfulness) during this particular time.

1) Medisave Maternity Package
The Medisave Maternity Package enables you to use your Medisave, for the delivery and pre-delivery medical expenses of your first four children.

Medisave Withdrawal Limit under the Medisave Maternity Package

Delivery Procedure	No. of days of Hospitalisation	Medisave Withdrawal Limit under the Medisave Maternity Package (including pre-delivery expenses)	Medisave Withdrawal Limit for Delivery Procedure (Non-Medisave Maternity Package)
Vaginal delivery (normal)	3	Up to $2,550 Which comprises of: - $1,350 ($450 x 3 days) for daily hospital charges; and - $1,200 for Medisave Maternity Package	Up to $2,100 Which comprises of: - $1,350 ($450 x 3 days) for daily hospital charges; and - $750 for Delivery Procedure
Caesarean delivery (normal)	4	Up to $4,400 Which comprises of: - $1,800 ($450 x 4 days) for daily hospital charges; and - $2,600 for Medisave Maternity Package	Up to $3,950 Which comprises of: - $1,800 ($450 x 4 days) for daily hospital charges; and - $2,150 for Delivery Procedure

MOH has put in place the Medisave Maternity Package to further help couples with delivery expenses as well as pre-delivery medical expenses (such as consultations, ultrasound).
To claims pre-delivery charges from Medisave, parents need just to present the bills incurred for your pre-delivery medical care to the hospital where you will be having your baby. The hospital will submit these bills, together with the delivery expenses, for Medisave claims under the Medisave Maternity Package.

You will be able to claim up to a maximum of $450 from Medisave for these charges.

Source: http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/hcfinancing.aspx?id=19744

Princess Christine:

So far I have been seeing Dr Lawrence Ang from TMC (Sembawang Branch) as he is one of the few rare experience gynae that charges at a very low rate. However, being experience and affordable comes at a price for Dr Lawrence Ang is sooooo popular, his queue is always an hour long despite it being an appointment base consultation. He also speaks at a fast speed which might irritate preggy mummies who are looking for a gynae who sayang and pampers them with attention. Even said that, Dr Ang is still very responsible and caring and he calls back personally even after consultation time if you are looking for him with regards to any worries you have which i find it dear to my heart.

Dr Lawrence Ang's Antenatal and Delivery packages with Medisave deduction (As dated in Oct 2010) :
	Normal Delivery ***	Forceps/Vacuum	Caesarean
Antenatal Package	S$550	S$550	S$550
Delivery Package(nincluding hospitalization)	S$300	S$300	S$600
Total S$850* S$850* S$1150** Bill portion can be deducted from Medisave * includes 2 night's stay in hospital (with medisave) ** includes 3 night's stay in hospital (with medisave)

To claims pre-delivery charges from Medisave, parents need just to present the bills incurred for your pre-delivery medical care to the hospital where you will be having your baby. The hospital will submit these bills, together with the delivery expenses, for Medisave claims under the Medisave Maternity Package.

1. Package includes
a. Consultation for all visits (70 max. => no idea what this means)
b. All ultrasound scans in clinic
c. Routine blood tests , multivitamins and urine tests
d. Liquor Assessments at term
e. Postnatal Consultations

2. Packages includes: Nuchal scan for down's syndrome, 4D/3D scan.

3. Package does not include optional tests: Blood test for Down's Syndrome, Detailed Anomaly Scan (in hospital), Amniocentesis

2. Working Mother's Child Relief (WMCR)

From Year of Assessment 2009, working mothers can enjoy higher amount of WMCR, up to 100% of their earned income for all their qualifying Singaporean children. The amount of WMCR claimable for each child is based on a specified percentage of the working mother’s earned income corresponding to the child order.

Child Order Year of Assessment 2009

1st 15% of mother’s earned income

2nd 20% of mother’s earned income

3rd 25% of mother’s earned income

4th 25% of mother’s earned income

5th & beyond 25% of mother’s earned income


Where the working mother is claiming both QCR/ HCR and WMCR, QCR/HCR will be allowed first and WMCR will be limited to the remaining balance. The amount of relief claimable for both QCR/HCR and WMCR is capped at $50,000 per child.


3. Parenthood Tax Rebate

From the Year of Assessment 2009, parents can claim PTR for their first child, fifth child and each subsequent child that are born or legally adopted on or after 1 Jan 2008. The amount of PTR claimable for each qualifying Singaporean child is based on the child order.

Child Order Year of Assessment 2009
1st $5,000
2nd $10,000
3rd $20,000
4th $20,000
5th & beyond $20,000 per child

PTR can be used to offset your income tax payable and may be shared with your spouse, based on the apportionment agreed by both parties. Any unutilised rebate will be carried forward to subsequent years until it is fully utilised.

4. Baby Bonus

The Baby Bonus comprises a cash gift and a co-savings component.
Click here for more details on the Baby Bonus.

From 17 Aug 2008, the Baby Bonus cash gift and matching Government contribution through the CDA will be enhanced.

Baby Bonus cash gift

Child order Enhanced for each child
1st & 2nd $4,000
3rd & 4th $6,000

Baby Bonus CDA

Child order Enhanced

1st $6,000
2nd $6,000
3rd & 4th $12,000
5th & beyond $18,000 for each child

The cash gift is given out in four equal instalments over 18 months. The Government will match dollar-for-dollar the amount of savings the parents contribute to the child’s CDA up to the specified ceiling.

A child is eligible for the enhanced Baby Bonus if

The child is a Singaporean born on or after 17 Aug 2008; and
The child’s parents are lawfully married.

Source:

http://fcd.ecitizen.gov.sg/FCD/Templates/FCD-GenericContentTemplate.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fMarriageNParenthoodPackage%2fRaisingNCaringforChildren%2f&NRNODEGUID=%7b1816B434-A9D2-44B4-AF59-7BCCC24A4F70%7d&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#Parenthood

https://www.babybonus.gov.sg/bbss/html/index.html

5. Centre-Based Infant Care and Childcare Subsidy

From 17 Aug 2008, the infant care subsidy will be increased from $400 to a maximum of $600 per month to help parents offset the cost of centre-based care. The subsidy applies to all Singaporean children regardless of child order.

The childcare subsidy will be increased from $150 to a maximum of $300 per month. The subsidy applies to all Singaporean children regardless of child order.

Details of subsidy:
http://www.childcarelink.gov.sg/ccls/uploads/Subsidy_Brochure_Orange_12Oct09.pdf

Source:
http://www.childcarelink.gov.sg/ccls/home/publications.jsp

6. Grandparent Caregiver Relief
Only working mums are eligible for this =) if a grandparent is caring full time for the child below 12 yrs old.

7. Childcare Leave
We get 6 days of childcare leave/yr if our child is below 7 yrs old. (the no. of childcare leaves does not increase with subsequent kids )

8. Infantcare Leave
6 days of unpaid infantcare leave for parents with a child under 2 yrs old

9. Maternity Leave
4 months of paid Maternity Leave ! (My hot fav)

Princess Christine's Maternity Fashion Runway

I am happy to say that I have finally compiled sufficient maternity clothings to tide me through the pregnancy as my tummy grow in size every day. As I am a no frill person, it isnt a surprise that when i do my compilation, I include dresses of size variation up to the the full trimester and even the nursing tops!

Now in order to make the clothes representation as truthful as possible on how it will appear on a pregnant mummy, I asked Ah li (my wonderful sis in law) to help me out with the mini photoshoot taking for all these maternity clothes with no make up and editing and of course we took the picture during the time when my tummy is already up and showing, with me fattening up by a great lot. Of course I will look not as fabulous as when I was slim but heck with it as I am here to capture my pregnancy journal with accuracy to show it to my little one in future when he/she grows up. To date I am heavier by 3.9 kg and now at a weight of 53.9kg. Quite in tune with the weight chart I have computed with the pregnancy weight calculator sometime ago.

We used 2 cameras to capture all the details of the dresses since no editing (which makes me look kind of pale but i like the natural look of it too) is to be done (ok i admit i have no idea how to edit accept for cropping and adjusting brightness and contrast like a junior). All pictures are taken at home with no frills.

So here's the Royal Maternity Runway Parade brought to you by
Princess Christine!


Princess Closet 1 : Sweet Navy Casual (Spring Maternity) . (Black ribbon brooch own)
A dress that makes a mummy feel slim, royal and lady like with the simple but yet elegant cut.

Princess Closet 2: Eco Chic (Grey Satin sash own) (My Little Angels Maternity)
Love the refreshing green colour which brightens up a mummy's day out!! Can be worn for my third trimester as it can be a big size dress without the sash on.

Princess Closet 3: Hip Hop Yoyo (9mos) (Grey spagetti own)
Suitable for my third trimester as this is a L size piece. I love the creativity of the design of the dress as it looks so hip hop on a mummy to be.

Princess Closet 4: Pastel Pink Rainbow (Spring Maternity) (Pink tank top own)
The sweet pink pastel stripes won my hearts down =)

Princess Closet 5: Oriental Elegance (Spring Maternity)
Gorgeous mandarin collar meets summer garden green. A fusion fashion statement with a East meets West.

Princess Closet 6: Nerd Me Not (Nursing top from spring maternity)(Nerd specs own)
A bright pastel purple stripes brightens up even the day of a super nerd, making it a fun filled day!

Princess Closet 7: The FantaEeeeeeeeeelastic Pants (3/4 pants from Spring Maternity)
The navy blue stripe details on the pocket is something i love very much and the pants easily goes well with all the various maternity tops that i bought.

Princess Closet 8: Princess Juliet (Nursing top from Moms in mind)(Necklace and pink tank top own)
A classic juliet cream top which brings out the romantic poet in a mummy.

Princess Closet 9: Purple Butterfly Dream (Nursing top from Moms in mind)(Brooch and pink tank top own)
The front twist highlights the sexy curves of a mummy from bust to baby tummy.

Princess Closet 10: Macha Delight (Scarlet) (Hairband own)
A very comfortable top suitable to be worn esp in my third trimester. The tradition macha feel of the top makes me wanna go KONICHIWA!
Princess Closet 11: Hawaii Shopaholic (Nursing top from Spring Maternity) (Grey spaggetti own)
Going on a "beachy", wild and notty shopping spree? Here's the perfect mummy nursing top which makes the mummy shine with a vibrance which glares into the eye of every onlookers.
Princess Closet 12: Passionate Spring (Spring Maternity)
Great for the coming chinese new year!

Princess Closet 13: Sweet Spring (Spring Maternity)
A refreshing floral garden dress that doesnt need much accessories to flatter the mummy itself. One of my hot favourites too.

Princess Closet 14: Glamour (Marc Jacob) (Acessories own)
One of my great favourites! Uptown taitai in an instant! Suitable for parties and attending banquets =)

Princess Closet 15: Runway Wave (Marc Jacob)
I was taken aback by this dress as it didnt really feel flattering until i personally put it on. The many details from sequins to to cross ties on the side of the dress gives me lots of surprise on how much a fashion runway piece this dress is!

Princess Closet 16: Sweet Blush (Necklace own)
Going for a casual marketing trip to the nearest supermarket? Fashion up with this cute purple print dress that makes your marketing trip a whole lot KAWAII!

Princess Closet 17: I Mean Bizness (Maternity Skirt)
The 2 sexy slits in front makes a mean biz woman a sassy woman!

Princess Closet 18: Split Tease (Maternity Skirt)
No worries about the split in front as it is actually all covered but definitely a tease to those around you.

Princess Closet 19: She isnt Preg at All? (Maternity Skirt)
Love this skirt to the core for the very fact that it has a visual slimming effect! I almost look non preggy at all lol!

Princess Closet 20: Vintage Princess (Mother World) (Necklace own)
A sweet vintage dress that reminds me of a similar dress i worn when i was young. So sweet that it will melt your hubby's heart!

Wah so many pieces of maternity clothings and I have yet include a pair of maternity jeans which i plan to wear it during my third trimester with its plus size.
Total Damage for all 21 pieces?

KACHING of $136! (Avg of $6.50 per piece!!! WAHHhhhhhh)

How can this be when so many of the pieces are branded???? These are actually the hardwork i have put in for the past 2 months in collating and sourcing the various affordable 2nd hand maternity dresses from the various mummies on the forum. I guess as long as they look fabulous on me, who cares about it being a used piece right?

Another truimph victory by Princess Christine!! WOOHOOoo!!!

How Baby Prince Looks Like!

Well I havent been updating much while being coop up at home most of the time due to my severe back pain, I did enjoy a trip down to the library occasionally browsing through motherhood magazines and cant help but express how fabulous it was for reading to help me prepped bit by bit and to update more on my knowledge bank.

I have also been keeping myself busy with online trading for 2nd hand maternity clothes which is a real GEM as I no longer have to find myself running out often as when I was preparing for my DIY wedding all the stuff I need. Plus if you ever visit a maternity boutique store, you will be shocked by the crazy prices they are selling the clothes *shocked*. The expensive cost of this and that really kills parents and I will soon have an entry about all my nice exclusive 2nd hand buys as soon as i think i stocked up sufficient. Then I will asked Sir woodblock to help me snap my 1st Maternity Fashion Parade lol!!!

I am glad I am finally getting happier now as the past few weeks was a killer and I cant help but admit that I might be suffering a mild pre natal blue. Not only did I suffer early from a lower back pain, I also suffered from many other symtoms like UTI (urinary tract infection) and a rash which i think is similar to this PUPP rash (Pruritic Urticarial Papules or Plaques of Pregnancy).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruritic_urticarial_papules_and_plaques_of_pregnancy

This rash is so terrible that it started appearing all over my tummy area and spread even to my butt and neck area. It felt terrible to be itching all over and I have to apply lots of diaper rash cream over my body to help overcome the itch.

I guess all these 101 symptoms add up to a lot of depression and hormonal imbalance and eventually I started to have pimple outbreaks!! The most frustrating thing of all is that I realise I wont be able to use any pimple related products or those retinoid products to help with the pimples and they are harmful to the baby. Thank goodness I have 2 saviour products that eventually help me out => Aloe Vera Gel (Jorubi) and Hiruscar. These 2 are WONDERS! Esp HIRUSCAR!!! I started using this after I know that that Hiruroid is a gel that doctor often prescribed in the hospital for healing surgery scar. However, back then, I only use it for body scar and not the face as it was not meant for it. However, a year back ago, the company started to release the Scar healing gel for the face too !!!! It's a super yay as this works so much better then the condolisa scar heal which is not only more expensive and comes in very minute quantity. Of course when I say it works wonder I dont mean it in a day but it does show real significant results in a quite a few days!!

See review by another preggy mummy:
http://mybeautyreviews.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/hiruscar-scar-remover-gel/

Even if you are not pregnant but if you have trouble dealing with pimple scar, I cant tell you how much you should just have one and start using it.

I wish I started using that earlier as all these pimples and etc makes me feel a little angry with my baby because I just felt someone must be blame for all these terrible ordeal I am in. For many days, I refuse to talk to my baby (as in to my tummy) nor even stroke baby (my tummy). Thanks to Sir woodblock, he took time off and started to bond baby Hui and me which was not easy as I have quite a temper during the depressed period. So now Baby Hui and me are best friends again =) Yay!

Since now me and Baby Hui are best friends, I felt that I really need to take a peep at how my new best friend will look like:

DRUMROLLLLLLZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:


HARLOW BABY HUI!!!

Ancient Calendar for Baby Gender Prediction

After all the excitement of the pregnancy news in the early weeks of pregnancy and the reassurance of the baby's survival stability in week 12, the next wave of excitement which is plunge into all mummies and daddies' mind will be about the baby's gender.

Now I discovered that it seems of be a fashion but both the ang mos and the chinese mummies are all turning to this Ancient chinese gender chart for the fun of predicting of their baby's gender. My cousin Pearlyn shared with me that she did refer to the chart and it was really accurate for her case.

Of course for those who may be thinking of having your first or second baby, this is probably a chart you may want to refer to if you have a specific gender in mind. But if you ask me, this can only be refer for reference to predict baby gender and not really to prepare a baby with a specific gender as concieving is not as easy as it seem to be like those tv drama.

OK here's some historical information of the origin of the calender:

History of ancient chinese gender chart
Ancient chinese gender chart calculator is the oldest method of baby gender prediction. It was discovered over 700 years ago in Beijing. Many people ask how accurate is the chinese pregnancy gender predictor. Chinese gender prediction charts claim to be accurate, however were not proven to be accurate, and are used mainly for entertainment purposes.

Ancient China came up with the ancient chinese gender predictor calculator because throughout history the chinese preferred boys over girls. In China, they always needed more farmers and soldiers. Boys would bring more money into the family by working in fields, while girls stayed home until they got married. China has also been through many wars, and they needed more soldiers. By creating lunar chinese pregnancy calendar boy or girl gender prediction chart and calculator, they were able to come up with the pregnancy chinese gender prediction chart that predicts the gender of the unborn baby. However, the free chinese baby gender chart predictors have never been scientifically proven. So when you wonder how accurate is the chinese calendar boy or girl predictor and calculator, keep in mind that they might not be accurate.

It is said that the ancient pregnancy chinese gender prediction chart was found in a royal tomb by a chinese scientist. Chinese gender calculator test was recently discovered, and now chinese table quiz predictions are used to predict the gender of the baby during pregnancy. Chinese gender calendar boy or girl chart is based on lunar calendar which shows dates according to the phases of the moon. Chinese lunar calendar baby predictor uses mother's chinese age at the time of conception and the month of conception. This baby gender prediction is based on the belief that women of the same age are more likely to conceive babies of the same gender.
Source: http://www.fortunebaby.com/chinesegenderpredictionchart.html

So now we get to know about this calendar better, it is good to warn the users that this calender must be use in the correct way!

Many of the ang mos webbies failed to address the right usage of this calendar as they were not familiar with the concept of the chinese lunar age and chinese lunar month which is the actual numbers that we have to input for reading the chart. So for those of you who are lost in calculating the lunar age and lunar month of conception, here's 2 websites I found who can do the conputation for you.

The longitude for Singapore is 55E. So here's my lunar age computation:

Calculate your chinese lunar age
Source: http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/TDB/Cage1.asp

My lunar age is 27!

The lunar age will definitely be accurately but it is the lunar month of conception that is the tricky part. No one knows for sure when is the conception date as it depends on the rate at which the sperm travels. It will be a gullible statement if you assume that the dates that you have sex is the same day as the conception which is not absolutely true. So my advice is to input a range of dates in which you might think you have concieve. So it's really like give and take.

Calculate your conception lunar month
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/CLunarCal1.htm
So after the computation: My lunar month of conception was the earliest at July and the latest possible month will be in September.


Looks like Baby Hui have a high chance to be a boy boy!

What do me and daddy woodblock yearns for? All I can say is opposite sex attracts. So while I want a baby boy, daddy woodblock and Ah ma (my mother in law) prefers a baby girl. However, if you asked me, I have a hunch my wonderful hubby and MIL is really thoughtful as I understand that they must have thought a few steps ahead about the quota problem as sir woodblock is the only son. Definitely, due to this, both of them refuse to let me get stressed out over this nitty gritty problem of gender issues =)

I love both my family and in laws family! I feel bless and happy=)

Source: http://www.babygenderprediction.com/chinese-gender-chart.html

Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator

I always have a habit of weighing myself on a daily basis especially now that I am pregnant. This is the beginning of week 14 of my pregnancy and I cant help worry if the weight gain is appropriate and normal. A mummy is always selfless and prior to that, in order to make myself concieve better and I try all sort of ways from taking wu ji bai feng wan
http://www.euyansang.com/index.php/product/flagship-products/gold-label-bak-foong-pill
to getting some weight gain from 48kg to 50kg (I heard from my colleagues it is not wise to continue slimming while trying to concieve). I hope my baby will appreciate all the lengths i have to concieve her/him.

But then again a lady is always vain and it dreads me to step on the weighing machine to worry about both sides of the coin.

Scenario 1: Gaining weight fast
Worries: Am I eating too much and getting fat on my own instead of due to my babies growth??? Princess Mummy Christine: this is something mummy need to look out for as we often keep thinking we are eating for 2. The truth is we should be eating at the same volume as we were eating but we should be taking in nutrition for 2. Therefore, the mummy should be taking related pregnancy nutrition and supplements by changing the type of food we are eating and not the amount.

Scenario 2: Losing weight
Worries: Oh my god is my baby still there?
Princess Mummy Christine: Actually it is normal for mummy to lose weight or gain little weight after 1st trimester due to vomiting(morning sickness) etc

Scenario 3: Gaining weight hardly
Worries: Is my baby not getting enough nutrition? Why is it not growing fast?

Anyway my worries are not unfounded for. Here's what I found out:

Women who do not gain enough weight have an increased risk of delivering small babies (low birth weight of less than 2.5 kg). In Singapore, Indians tend to deliver smaller babies than other races. Small babies can die in early childhood and have many health problems. They are more prone to asthma, and respiratory tract infections (cough and cold). Small babies are at greater risk of having cerebral palsy (a nervous system disorder causing difficulty in talking and walking). Their Intelligent Quotient (IQ) is lower and they may have delayed development.

Gaining too much weight can also be a problem. It may increase the risk of developing hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy. The pregnancy becomes an unpleasant experience, causing backache, leg cramps and varicose veins. Besides it is also difficult to lose weight after delivery. The baby tends to be big. Large babies make vaginal deliveries difficult, increasing the risk for cesarean section. Overweight babies may become obese and diabetic in later part of their lives.


I am glad in the end I found this pregancy calculator online instead of the general pregnancy weight gain chart that customise the estimated weight gain according to the mummy's orginal BMI before pregnancy.

So here's the customise one for Princess Mummy Christine:


I am not sure whether if it is a coincidence, but I am now into the week 14 of my pregnancy and my weight is now 52.5 kg. Just nice =) Puts me at ease.... WHEW!

It is recommended that women should aim for a weight gain related to their pre-pregnancy BMI:
•If BMI was above 26, you should aim for a weight gain of between 7 and 11.5kg.
•If BMI was between 20 and 26, you should aim for a weight gain of 11.5 to 16kg.
•If BMI was less than 20, you should aim for a weight gain of 12.5 to 18kg.


On a Trimester Basis:
•First trimester: Most women put on around 1.6kg in the first three months.
•Second trimester: around 0.5kg a week for the next three months (5.5 - 6.4kg) in total.
•Third trimester: and only around 5kg over the last three months.

If you are wondering how much goes to the baby exactly? Only 3-4 kg out of the total 11-16kg gain by the mummy!!!!


Source: http://www.baby2see.com/pregnancy_weight_calculator.html

I guess it's good for mummies to get a digital weighing machine to monitor our weight closely =) I cant wait to find out the gender of Baby Hui soon!

How to fold a traditional cloth diaper - Origami Style!

Now I realise my mum-in-law had secretly bought a packet of cloth diapers and hid in some dark corner of the house and I didnt realise about it until last Friday when she finally couldn't hide her excitement and took it out of the hiding place and show it to me and my aunt!

She bought the smallest size 28" for the newborn Baby Hui. I think she is pretty accurate even though I know there's giant size baby like my cousin Calvin's one. Looking at the growth of Baby Hui with the standard chart, I roughly guess Baby Hui is going to be a petite size like me and Daddy Woodblock.

It wasn't soon she started demonstrating and teaching me the daugther-in-law on a trick or 2 in folding a cloth diaper. I was pretty excited of course and it makes it even more(in fact it was an element of surprise) when I realise that the style of diaper folding she taught me was pretty the Origami style => not as boring or as simple or straight forth as I assume it would be.

Initially I wasn't very keen about using cloth diaper as WASHING DIAPER?!?!?! EEWWWW, IS A SMELLY AND DIRTY JOB that I cant imagine!

But then after much discussion and checking things out, I realise that it may not be such a bad idea for the following reasons:

1) The baby actually feels more comfortable wearing cloth diaper =)

2) The chances of nappy rash is now much reduced and saves the cost of expensive nappy rash cream (if you buy those cheapo nappy rash cream, it doesnt work and your baby continues to cry so what's the point?)

3) It is cheaper and economical then to use the disposable diaper full time (I am planning to use a mix of disposable(outdoor use) and cloth diaper(home use)).

4) To minimise the risk of dirt and mess on the mattress, there are a few strategies that are available =>
(a) Lay a layer of waterproof rubber protection mattress at waist line down so that any leakage could be prevented.
(b) Wear a waterproof diaper pants outside the cloth diapers. I went to look around and it cost about $6 bucks/piece and it comes with different cloth designs. So I will only start my purchase after I know the gender of Baby Hui.
(c) Put in a diaper liner within the cloth diaper which we can throw it away as faeces are sometimes a killer for washing.

5) It is a fact that baby urine and faeces are nicer smelling to deal with then adult ones as they only drink milk and have not much of other excretory products add on to make it smelly.

6) I am a sucker for anything that's OLD SCHOOL. LOL (ok I know that's an absolute stupid reason)

I have been surfing online on cloth diaper folding and I was amaze that there were so many different ways of doing it. I guess it is a free style world even in diaper folding! For a moment, I thought the one taught by my mum in law was the Asian style and couldn't be found in the youtube but I guess I am pretty lucky that in the end I found a video which feature the Origami style that my mum in law taught me!

Presenting a step by step guide on an ORIGAMI diaper folding style by
PRINCESS MUMMY CHRISTINE!

1) Spread and lay the diaper flat on the bed.

2) Fold the cloth into half.

3) Fold in the midpoint in order fold one side of the cloth into a triangular shape.

3) Turn the cloth onto the other side.

4) Fold the other side of the cloth into 1/3 length into the center.

5) Fold in the last 1/3 again.

6) Fold the extra cloth at the top edge down.

6) Place the baby in and then fold the bottom up.

7) Finally fold the 2 sides in to cover the baby and you may use a clip to clip the cloth in place. It is a trend for mummies not to use pin these days as there is a risk of accidentally pinning the baby's skin and hurting the baby.


For those who are not the pictorate people, here's a video to show how to do it from Purechristianity in youtube( I am not a Christian in case you have any misunderstanding)



Enjoy!

My Room's Baby Wall of Cuteness

Initially I was all up and excited to decorate and put up a baby corner for Baby Hui like the many pretty nursery rooms that I see online etc. However, this will involve a lot of paintwork and honestly as a nervous mummy, I wasn't keen on risking Baby Hui's well-being for my aesthetic vainity. So I decided to abort the plan and perhaps design and decorate a corner for Baby Hui after he/she is born instead.

However, it can be pretty frustrating sitting around all day doing nothing despite there is a fire of excitment in me and Daddy woodblock. Yet on the other hand, I wasn't read to commit my emotional attachment for the great fear of any disapointment as I mentioned that the first 3 months involve a lot of risk of miscarriage. How high is the risk exactly? Here's what I found online:

Re: Why do miscarriages happen? Is there anything I can do to avoid it? How do I know if I'm at risk?

Unfortunately, there really is no way to prevent a first trimester miscarriage, and it is the most frustrating thing about obstetrics. But, after ultrasound confirms your baby’s heartbeat at eight weeks, the risk of miscarriage is only about 3%. The risk falls even lower (1%) after a normal ultrasound at 16 weeks. (Overall, from conception, about 10 to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.) Most pregnancy losses are diagnosed in the first trimester when a patient experiences bleeding or cramping. Many women may have no symptoms that the pregnancy has stopped progressing until a routine ultrasound examination indicates no heartbeat.

Source: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/first-trimester/qa/miscarriage-risks.aspx?MsdVisit=1

In the end I couldn't help it but I decided that since I cant decorate a baby corner at all or get any baby items at the moment, why not put up baby posters? The cost of baby posters in the market is about $2.80 which is still pretty affordable. The only thing that I didn't like was the lack of variety of Asian babies =( Hence I have no choice but to DIY my own baby posters instead. Here's the stash of cute baby photos I found online:





I love chubby baby so this is one of my favourite.




I went down to Sunshine Plaza and printed all of these photos out and pasted it onto a black coloured paper for a nice contrasting frame. Instead of laminating (which is expensive), I opted to put them into plastic folders(50 cents each) for protection before pasting them onto the wall.
Total $$$: $8.00 + $4 = $12.00 (approximately)

So here I have in front of my bed a Baby Wall of Cuteness to inspire me to give birth to a kawaii and chubby baby! On the extreme left is a poster given to me by my Cousin Mummy Pearlyn. Isn't it inspiring? Every morning when I wake up, these babies will always be the first to greet me a sweet morning!

Tmr, Daddy woodblock will be bringing me and Baby Hui on a cruise ride on the Royal Carribean! I am so thrilled that I bought a simple 2 piece swim wear ($10) to go for Baby Hui and my first swim after I am pregnant. I guess it will be a great bonding time together for the family! Will be back next week to continue with my blogging! See ya=)