The Mommyhood Series [vii] - My Confinement Diary

You have read my entry on Birth by Caesarean in the previous chapter of The Mommyhood Series.

Finally, baby and I were discharged from the hospital and could go back home. The Caesarean wound was still hurting, but nothing beats recuperating at home.

I guess confinement has begun. The confinement nanny from PEM Agency was waiting by the condo's waiting area by the time we were home. I didn't know what to expect- except that she was supposed to take care of Baby, wash her clothes, cook for me and hubby, prepare my herbal bath water, and help with simple household chores twice a week.

She was friendly and efficient, making us feel at ease. And like me, she was a cleanliness freak so ensured that things were neat and clean. One of her duties included cooking Longan Red Dates drink for me to consume like water on a daily basis; she also added Black Dates, Wolfberries and Bei Qi (Astragalus or may also be known as 'Huang Qi') to make it more nourishing. She explained that the latter especially, aids in healing wounds.

Her cooking was pretty good too - balanced meals consisting of fish, or pork, and lots of vegetables. Ginger and wolfberries were 2 ingredients that were never missing from the dishes.

For dishes containing alcohol or requiring stronger ingredients, such as Ginger Wine Chicken or Black Vinegar Pig Trotter (both of which are confinement favorites), they should only be consumed from 12th days onwards. Don't ask me why - I take it that its passed the period  needed for my wound to heal.

I also started consuming a small amount of Dom after dinner, for tonic purpose. Ideally it should be consumed before bed, but I had to feed around midnight so I tried to drink the Dom a few hours before then.

For herbal soup, I drank them during dinner time or before bed. I got mine from Eu Yan Sang as I'm a member. At $328, the package comprises tonic soup ingredients, Bai Fong Pills (tonic for after menses), and So Hup Pills (to drive the wind out from body). I know other Chinese medicine shops such as Hock Hua, etc all carry confinement packages as well; if not, the shop assistants can customise a package for you using ala carte items.

I also got my Bathing Herbs (about $30++ for a box of 14 herbs) from EYS during to convenience. Basically you just need to boil the packet of herbs and let it simmer, then pour into your tub to use for showers. It's supposed to keep the wind or cold away from the body.

If you've heard tales that women shouldn't take showers during confinement, it's probably outdated by now.  They didnt take showers in the past because long ago, bathrooms were situated outside the homes, and in chilly weather conditions - women could easily catch a cold if they had to shower out there. These days, bath herbs are readily available; or at the very worst, you can consider adult body wipes. If you refuse to wash your hair, there's powder you can get from TCM shops, or dry shampoo. Hygiene should be a priority especially if we are breast-feeding our infants.

We can't be exposed to much "wind" so that means long-sleeved tops and long pants/ leggings would be good. Air-conditioning is fine but not fan (though people in the past also used fans because they didnt have air-con?!)

She also ensured I wear bedroom slippers around the house instead of walking around barefooted, because theres "wind" or coolness from the floors.

We are supposed to lie down in bed a lot- this is said to help prevent backache and other associated ailments when we get older. Also we shouldn't be touching water much- for fear of being too "cooling", so my Confinement Nanny filled my tub with lukewarm water and rice wine for me to wash my hands with.

Breast-feeding

Baby alternated between my breast milk and formula milk, in order to get the sufficient amount she required. She was fed about 7 times a day, including 3 times in the middle of the night. Babies do get choosy about the tip of the milk bottle - for instance, mine would drink from the Pigeon bottle because its softer, but rejected the Philips Avent one.

When baby was not feeding and my milk supply was abundant, I used Hegen Pump (around $599 for the set that comes with  breast massage function) to get the milk out for storage. It is a nice electric pump that's also silent and painless. Pumping regularly helps prevent soiling the clothes and most importantly, prevent engorgement (which can be very painful).

Watching our diet is important too because if we are breastfeeding, what goes into our bodies goes to the baby when they feed. Oranges cause phlegm, alcohol intoxicates them, too much sugar is not good for them.... the list goes on.

Lactation herbal teas and cookies are available to aid milk supply produce, as well as papaya soup.

Physically, Mentally and Emotionally

Physically, well, we'll be menstruating for a full month so hormones may run a little wild. Support from family members is very important at this point in time. We get more sensitive and easily irritated. I got a little paranoid at certain phrases used by my Confinement Nanny, to be honest, and was wondering if she was trying to show me that Baby preferred her to me.

For me personally, I would appreciate advice only when I ask for them - not for everyone to start dishing advice about everything. Bottom line is- we appreciate that you all mean well- but all these advice only stresses and confuses us. When we  need assistance, we will ask, or we will research and join forums etc. Don't do the "hey, if you are ever feeling depressed call me anytime" speech over and over again- it gels. If I'm depressed I want my husband to bring me to a professional asap; trust me I wont be picking up the phone to call anyone to chit chat.

Some people get postnatal depression, especially if they feel insecure or stressed out. Most times they aren't aware of it themselves. Post natal depression comes in many forms - overly protective of baby, suicidal thoughts, self-blame (especially if milk supply is low or baby is ill), resentment towards baby (especially after a difficult birth), etc. Therefore parents and husbands - please keep a close watch and seek help for them if  need be.

By the third week, Hubby and I had to get hands-on taking care of Baby. We learned how to change diapers properly, feeding properly, bathing the Baby, and putting her to bed, etc.

The lying in part was most difficult for me as I could not bear having nothing to do. I couldn't be sleeping 18 hours a day. So I used the time for some light work and meditation. One month passes by really fast - keep a lookout for my next entry on Baby Gifts Purchase by TinyBabies.SG.

Backtracks

(i) The House-Hunting Series

(ii) The Honeymoon Series

(iii) The Nuptial Series

(iv) The Mommyhood Series (i) - Receiving The News

(v) The Mommyhood Series (ii) - My Pregnancy Journey

(vi) The Mommyhood Series (iii) - Post Natal Massage by Schone Mama @ Takashimaya
(vii) The Mommyhood Series (iv) - The Accidental Babymoon (Pregnancy Travel Guide)
(viii) The Mommyhood Series (v) - The Endless Shopping List

(ix) The Mommyhood Series (vi) - Birth by Caesarean

[Media Invite] Maki-San's 3rd Birthday Bash @ Katong I12

112 East Coast Road #B1-19 Katong I12, Singapore 428802

Tel: 9712 5119

Website: http://order.rollwithmakisan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollwithmakisan

I was honoured to receive an invite to celebrate Maki-San's 3rd anniversary at its 3rd (and newest) outlet at Katong I12, on 26 September (Wednesday).  A simple sushi bar that serves rolls and salads made with fresh, quality array of ingredients, it is no wonderment that Maki-San is favourable amongst our desire for healthier choices of food these days.  What is best is that you can also choose to customise your own sushi or salad, picking your very own ingredients from the wide variety available here.

*Charmaine and I attended together, and were given the cutest press kits ever - in the form of these CD-roms with customised Japanese paintings.  After registration, we introduced ourselves to the rest of the attendees and mingled.

There were candies made to resemble sushi rolls , and photobooths with props that we were encouraged to take photos for memoirs' sake.

There were also popcorn carts or for the more sophisticated - a caricature booth. This was a party in full swing, and we were thrilled to be here to indulge in these fun moments.

What we were most looking forward to doing, though, was the Sushi Making itinerary. Passing through the kitchen doors, we donned the aprons, washed our hands and put on the blue gloves. As the owners are very strict with hygiene, we were not allowed to touch our phones etc once we had the gloves on- a policy I agree very much with.

First, we arranged the rice and seaweed sheet (choose from brown or white) onto the Makisu (sushi mat), and selected the ingredients. Then we added the sauce and began the roll-and-press process to mould our sushi into tubes.  Finally, we placed the tubes of sushi into the cutter and it was neatly cut into smaller rolls.

It was fun, and we were given gorgeous sushi boxes to keep our handmade sushi rolls. We proceeded to the event site where we sat and tried the sushi we lovingly made.

This was *Charmaine's roll, made with white pearl rice, omelet, avocado, salmon sashimi, salmon roe etc, and tasted better than much.

Mine consisted of brown rice, crabmeat, asparagus, salmon roe, tangerine orange wedges and cranberries. Yes, an attempt at being healthy. It was huge so I only tried a couple of rolls - packed the rest back and the family members loved it.

Well, how could one not love it - when the ingredients were fresh and prepared in excellent standards!

As it Maki-San's 3rd birthday celebration, how could there not be a cake, right? Here comes this giant "Sushi Cake" made by Celebrate with Cake - what an adorable cake, this replicate of a giant sushi made of chocolate sponge and marshmallows!  We got to luxuriate in the rich flavours of this cake after the cake-cutting ceremony by the owners.

Finally, some gifts for the guests - patented non-slip mug, pretty notebook etc - they were spoiling us rotten with this marvellous experience.  Thank you Maki-San and congratulations on the milestones attained so far - may you continue to prosper!

Thank you too, Nicole Ann and Alchemy Partnership for the invite!

FYI in celebration, here's the promotion happening at Maki-San right now, as well as some collectibles you can buy as gifts or personal use. Drop by or visit their website (link at top of post) now.

[Media Invite] Saturdays with Portico Cafe / Restaurant @ Labrador area

991B Alexandra Road #01-10 Singapore 119970

Tel: 6276 7337

Website: http://portico.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portico.sg

Being an avid cafe-hopper and food-hunter lately, I was still amazed to discover this hidden gem of a Portico Singapore located at Alexandra office area - along the rows of  commercial offices, sitting quaintly between the cross of Telok Blangah and Alexandra area.

Thanks to Openrice SG for the invite, allowing me to experience Saturdays with Portico, a fun-filled day that gives new meaning to weekend cafe-hopping.  Through interactive free activities Portico endeavours to foster a closer bond between us and our food / coffee as we understand the preparation processes. This sounded so fun, and I was excited to get my hands dirty for the planned itineraries.

Portico Singapore is a restaurant, cafe and pub all in one, perfect for diners looking for Western fusion dishes, perfect for coffee lovers to hang around on lazy afternoons, as well as perfect for those looking to unwind and chill over drinks.  The exterior boosts of a garden setting exuding tranquility while the interior sets off a charm of its own, with well-spaced tables and well-chosen paintings.

While waiting for the enticing activities to kickstart, we had a plate of Portico Chicken Wings with chilli lime dip. The chicken wings were crackling delicious on the outside, opening up to tender flesh and extremely well-marinated so one could eat these on their own.

We were divided into 2 teams, and I was with the team that tried Plating of Signature Salad of Vine-ripened Tomatoes (SGD$17.00) , demonstrated by Chef Nixon himself.  The salad looked so deceptively simple, so pretty in bright colours, and Chef Nixon prepared it so effortlessly.

Photosource: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2015/06/portico-tasting-session.html

When I tried my hands at it - with fresh ingredients of jamon serrano slices, organic quinoa and honey melon dressing -  slowly arranging them methodically while trying to recollect Chef Nixon's detailed instructions, and constantly referring to the display set.  Not bad for a first try, though not the prettiest of them all - but hey, it tasted so good because we added ingredients of our efforts, time and passion into it.

Don't you wish you were here to plate your own salad too? They have different items / dishes for you to try every week!

Next, there was a Latte Art Demonstration and Hands-On Session, where we got to watch and get amazed at how it was to prepare a hot, aromatic cup of latte. The steps of preparation looked simple, but the degree of preparation plays a part on whether the coffee would taste good or come with a sour aftertaste.

Photo credit goes to Wenxi aka umakemehungry - thank you!

I got to try out making my own Latte, complete with art, thanks to the helpful barista who ensured smooth and safe completion. During the pouring of the warm milk into the espresso, the flow had to be smooth and in the same direction, so as ensure distinctive lines for the latte art to form.  The taste was good as well, aromatic and bittersweet.

Want to try your hands at creating your own latte art? Contact Portico Singapore now.

Finally, Honey Tasting with Carl Baptista from Pollen Nation - exclusive bees protectors and honey-makers. Carl explained to us how the business got started, what it was all about, and let us try various types of honey. They also conduct education training and talks for schools etc - what a meaningful business.

The first drop was Wild Flowers Honey, instantly finding its way into many of our hearts.

Next, it was Bittergourd Flower Honey, tinged with a delicious bitterness amongst the saccharine taste - I loved bittersweet stuff so this one was for me.

Following that was Cinnamon Honey, every drop was pleasant.

Then we tried Longan Flower Honey, another drop of sweetness that made its way into our mind and soul.

Trigona Honey was next, made from stingless bees.

We also had the special Sentosa Cove Honey, luscious and fragrant.

Finally, Bee Pollen, little sand-drops of sweetness, reminding me of rock sugar grains.

I was fortunate enough to win myself a jar of exclusive Longan Flower Honey, so lovely, and one could still see the honeycomb within. I cannot wait to start consuming this precious honey.

A fellow taster bought this jar of honey for SGD$19.00.  Feel free to contact Pollen Nation for queries and purchases. Thank you Carl, for the explanation, demonstration and tasting session.

It was all in all a very well-spent Saturday, and yes, through plating of my own salad and creating my own latte art, I do feel closer with my food and drinks, and appreciate them more. Thanks for bringing that out in me, Portico Singapore as well as thank you Openrice SG for the invite!