Breastfeeding (Part 2)

Continuation to the topic of Breastfeeding. In Breastfeeding (Part 1) I shared about the benefits of Breastfeeding for both infant and the mother. This morning, I'd like to share about breastfeeding on demand, positioning of breastfeeding and keys to successful breastfeeding.

What is breastfeeding on demand?

1. Breastfeeding on demand literally means breastfeed the baby when the infant is hungry. Some infants shows signs of being hungry or in hunger such as mouthing1 or rooting2. Baby feeds about between 10 to 12 times in 24 hours. Each feeding may last between a time of 20 to 40 minutes. However, there is NO TIME LIMIT on duration or frequency of each feeds.


2. Do not miss on night feed. Sleep in the same bed with the baby [To the mummy's out there, THANK YOU for sacrificing your sleep for us little brats when we are young as an infant]


3. Allow sucking till baby sleeps and releases the nipple voluntarily


4. Do not pull baby off the nipple. If the baby cries, put the baby back on the same breast


5. Allow the baby to complete ONE FEED on ONE BREAST


6. Offer the other breast for the next feeding


7. Colostrum is more than enough for the baby until mature milk3 comes in


8. No need of giving water, glucose or formula milk


9. Avoid bottles, pacifiers or artificial nipples as this may cause nipple confusion

mouthing1:- putting hand or fists to mouth and making suckling motion with mouth

rooting2:-turning head in search of breast

mature milk3:- This is the final and longest-lasting stage of breast milk maturity. Water is the largest component of mature milk. All other components are diluted or diffused in the water. Fat is the second largest factor. Protein is about .8 to .9% of breast milk. Lactose is the primary carbohydrate. Enzymes, vitamins, minerals, hormones, growth factors and protective agents are also present

Breastfeeding Positions

Cradle hold :- commonly used position that is comfortable for most mothers.

Football hold:- Good for Twin delivery or Cesarean (C-section) birth

10 keys to successful Breastfeeding

1. Sit upright with your back well supported. Use a pillow.


2. Hold baby's head behind the shoulders


3. Baby's head on your forearm


4. Position baby underneath your breasts


5. Baby's chest and your breast are touching


6. Baby's whole body is facing you


7. Position your nipple above baby's top lip


8. See baby's respond with wide open mouth, tongue down


9. Bring baby onto the breast


10. Slightly push baby's back and shoulders

To observe:

(a) baby's bottom lip curls out

(b) baby's chin sink into your breast

(c) nipple fold under baby's top lip

Good/Optimal attachment Breastfeeding

1. baby's mouth wide open
2. most of the areola in the baby's mouth
3. chin touching breast
4. lower lips curled out like a fish mouth
5. baby suckles, pauses and suckles again in slow deep sucks

Poor attachment Breastfeeding

1. chin far away from the breast
2. not much of areola in the baby's mouth
3. mother feels pain when baby suckles

Breastfeeding (Part 1)

Today, I had an opportunity to work in the Maternity Ward. First thing that comes in mind when one says maternity, people will think of woman who give birth. Since this opportunity arises, I would like to share about Breastfeeding.

What is Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from human breasts (i.e., via lactation) rather than from a baby bottle or other container. Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. Most mothers can breastfeed for six months or more, without the addition of infant formula or solid food.

1. Recommended by The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to all mothers
2. Exclusively for babies from birth to 6 months and to continue breastfeeding with complementary food up to 2 years or longer.

Benefits to infant/baby

1. Perfect nutrition for baby
2. Colostrum, mother's first milk contains antibodies and is the body's first immunization against bacteria and viruses. (Colostrum:- First secretion from the breast, occurring shortly after or sometimes before, birth, prior to the secretion of true milk. It is relatively clear fluid containing serum, white blood cells and protective antibodies.)
3. Reduces incidences such as cough, cold, ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia and meningitis.
4. Prevents baby colic and lowers the risk of gastrointestinal infection and diarrhea. (Baby colic:- [also known as infant colic, three-month colic, infantile colic and colic] is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods without any discernible reason.)
5. Protects baby from asthma, eczema, colds and food allergies (atopy).
6. Lowers the risk of baby developing juvenile diabetes and heart disease
7. Enhances IQ level

Benefits to mother

1. Promotes mother and child bonding.
2. Helps to contract uterus and prevent uterine bleeding in the mother after delivery
3. Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mother
4. Convenient anywhere at anytime

Benefits of early feeding

1. Initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery or within 60-90minutes after birth
2. Helps mother to have skin to skin contact with her baby to help stimulate milk flow

Importance of rooming-in

• promotes bonding between mother and baby
• rooming in encourades breastfeeding on demand
• mother will learn to recognise the baby's needs and respond immediately
• maternal closeness will keep baby warm and cozy

Sources:

a) Penang Adventist Hospital booklet of Breastfeeding

b) www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breastfeeding

c) Oxford Fajar Dictionary of Nursing (Malaysian Edition)

An experience to learn

It is Sunday again, supposedly my favourite day. 6th of December 2009, it now marks a day that I shall not forget.

First and foremost, it was the birthday of Arahant Upagutta's in Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple (DBBT), Penang. Every year, during His birthday, we'll prepare a maximum of 300 buckets. In each bucket contains a coconut, sugar cane, a box of white candles, a small packet of joss sticks, an apple, an orange with bananas at the base of it.

At 5.30am, the DBBT Sunday School members will be there to help out to carry the buckets and place it around the place where the Arahant Upagutta is located. It is a mark of respect to the Arahant.

I was there to help out as well with Auntie Ju fetching Grandma, Auntie JE and me to the temple. We were first in the kitchen to prepare the breakfast for the monks and Samaneras' before we place the buckets around the Arahant.

At approximately 6.20am, I asked Auntie Ju to fetch me to work. During work, it was pretty bored to me at first as I was sleepy. Somehow, at 2.45pm something happen! There was a lady patient whom was transferred to our hospital. She was a cancer patient. When she arrives in our ward with a stretcher on, we transferred her from it to the ward bed. She was then very tired and was already on oxygen.

In just a few minutes, when a doctor came to review her, she was already gasping. And he came out to the nursing station and asked the nurses to call for the primary doctor of this patient. Unfortunately, at the same time the internal telephone service was down and I ran to the primary doctor's clinic to inform her whereby our ward in-charge nurse was already there. When I arrived in the clinic, the in-charge nurse ordered me to go to the operator to activate for a Code Blue (cardiac arrest emergency).

Somehow, the lady didn't manage to go on. I almost cried but I knew I should not. As I'm studying nursing, although the emotional symptom is there, we must be strong and instead we are the ones who should calm the patient's relatives.

Death seems to be a very common thing to us when it is not our loved ones. But when it comes to ourself losing the one we love, we feel it. I see that some people could still laugh despite looking at those in sorrow. Do they not have feelings and why don't they try and understand of how others feel.

The lesson I learn from it, is to appreciate those around us when they are still alive. Why wanna be crying of spilt milk when they have to go back to the Lord.


May you RIP.

David Harkin quotes,

“You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.You can remember her only that she is gone,or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.Or you can do what she'd want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

Y.E.S.

It's end-November now! What does this means? It means Y.E.S.! And what is Y.E.S.?

Y.E.S = YEAR END SALES!!! (end-November till Dec 31)

I went to Parkson at Gurney Plaza just now with Grandma to shop for a new suit of swimming costume. And guess what, it's a massive jam on the road and in the shopping mall itself. It's really hard to breathe in there.

There were the Lam Loong (photography), Nixon (cameras), XIXILI (inner wears for the ladies) and etc. etc. ON SALE up to 70% people. So, it isn't a surprise at all with the many many people in there!!! Even Cold Storage was fully packed! I could barely walk properly inside there shopping for groceries.

In Parkson itself, the clothes department, for the men, women or even the children's section, it's almost full as well. WOW! I bet I won't go into a shopping mall till after the sale unless it is really neccessary.

OK folks, to those who love discounts and shopping, it's time to head the mall but please exclude me in that!

Happy Shopping to the ladies and to the boyfriends and husbands, beware with your pockets.. Ha ha xoxo

9th November 2009

On the 9th of November, it's fairly a sunny day. It was my examination day for Anatomy & Physiology (1). I manage to pass my exam and proceed to the next semester =)

After my exam, I went to the post office and sent a hand-made card to Milos. It's his birthday on the 11th. I knew he would not had receive it on time but neither did I expect it to reach him only on the 25th! Somehow, I'm glad he manage to receive it.

It was my first time ever did a card and drew something with my hands. I will usually get help to finish a card but I am really happy I did this card with my heart and proud to say I did this card myself :-P

Happy belated birthday Milos and am glad you love the card I sent! :-D

mnogo te volim & srecan rodjendan <3

Unpredictable

I almost lose my life to an irresponsible motorcyclist. I was crossing the road with my Grandma at the pedestrian cross at Kelawai Road. And that guy who is blind enough not to see the RED light sped off and almost knock me off.

Another stranger who was crossing the road from the opposite shouted at him. My Grandma was like, stunted for 5 seconds. And then told me, next time it is best to make sure that the cars and motorcycles STOPS before I make the cross.

I'm wondering how does the Driving Schools teach their (L) learners nowadays? How does the JPJ (Road/Transport Safety Department) pass these students nowadays? Or is this just plainly they do not care of their own or others life?

What is the use of the Government spending so much money to educate these people of Road Safety. This is such a disgrace. Comparing of locals with foreigners who drives/rides in Malaysia, I feel pity for the Malaysians as they just do not realise how precious their life is. It is simply ignorance in them whereby they have an attitude of 'tidak apa' (just don't care).

Foreigners are more cautious and aware no matter where they are. They go abide the rules. What about us? Have we ever look into ourself and ask, "What IF I lose my life today?", "What will happen to my family?", "Who is going to take care of my parents?" and etc.

Road safety awareness should be instill into each and everyone. They should be educate from a young age. People should appreciate life. It is precious and we should learn to love ourself. If you can't love yourself, how could people love you and how are you gonna love others. Think before you act!

First day at work AGAIN!

It's Monday again. And I'm wondering whether if I wanna get up. It's been 6 months since I stop working to continue my studies after my suspension in November 2008. I have finished my final examination for Anatomy & Physiology (1) recently and manage to pass with a passing rate. So now I'm back to work as a part-time runner or we call it PCA (Patient Care Assistant).

So, Grandma woke me up at 5.30am for work. I was so lazy and dread for almost 15minutes before I finally got out of the bed and head to the bathroom for a shower. I was simply so lazy.

By 6am, I'm ready and Grandma made me a cup of Milo (sort of chocolate drink) and heated up a vegetarian 'pao' for me. So, I finished my so-called breakfast and waited for Auntie Ju and Auntie Louisa to fetch me to work.

I reach the office by 6.30am which is suppose to be the case as the nurses passes their reports at 6.45am and work starts at 7am. Today, I'm working in Medical 1B with the RN in-charge, Sherry D. She's a very nice lady currently doing her Degree. Alisya S, Yean Yean and Felicia was there too along with 2 other AN's - Suja and Sares. The RN's does their duty using a Primary Nursing where each of them are assign to certain patients and they have to make sure of their patients' needs. While the AN's help out with the vital signs, bed bath and etc. Nurul the clerk was there too and she came in at 8am because she works on office hour duty from 8am to 5am.

My job as a PCA... to check patients jug, hot water flask and refill it for them with hot/warm water if needed. Then, if there's any patient who needs to go to the clinic to see their respective doctors, or for certain procedures (like endoscopy, colonoscopy, x-rays, CT scans and etc.), I'll wheel them in a wheelchair, or walk them or even put them on a strecther if needed before bringing them to their respective places where they should be. Besides there, I'll be sending pharmacy medication orders for patients medication or for discharge medications and as well as sending a few papers regarding the bill of the patient to the PBO (Patient Business Office) for their bill settlement before a patient discharge. A PCA is also required to help out for bed bath, bed-making or accompanying patient to the lobby during discharge.

That's my job as a PCA. And today, I'd say its kinda bored but I learn some other things that I never knew. Thank you to all the staff that I've work with today and looking forward to another day although it was not quite what I thought it should be today. =)

Till then.

A night out with TEACHERS!!!

OK, I went out with a group of teachers and we had our dinner at TGIF restaurant (Thank God Its Friday) at Queensbay Mall =] And the teachers were my Aunty Annie and her hubby, Uncle Ho Lee, Aunty Angie, Aunty Janet, Aunty Theresa, Aunty Chuah and Uncle Koid.

Why do I call them Aunty and Uncle's... this is because they are Aunty Annie's friends even though Uncle Ho Lee and Aunty Angie was once my Math and Music teacher respectively during my primary years. Uncle Koid and Aunty Chuah are both somehow still strangers to me because I seldom see them or know them well. For Aunty Janet, I knew her since young cos she taught in SK Convent Pulau Tikus before she left for SK Seri Indah. Aunty Theresa, is our so-called neighbour at where I am currently staying with my Grandma. She lives just a level below us! =)

At arrival in TGIF, we waited for almost 25mins due to the many people in the restaurant. When the waiter came and told us just another 5 mins, we end up waiting 15 mins.. So Aunty Chuah went to enquire and told the waiter, 'Check the place if there's any else we're leaving in 1 minute'. And within that 1 minute, we got a place to sit. Thanks Aunty Chuah. :D

Calvin, my 7 years old cousin had Mushroom soup and Chicken Fingers for his meal. So kind of him to be sharing his chips with us! And the reason being his tummy is so full already... hahaaa xD Me and Aunty Angie shared Jack Daniel's Chicken. It's grilled and tasty. Somehow, I'd say the sauce is a little to sweet or am I health conscious?? Then all of us shared Shanghai Chicken Salad which seemed to be Aunty Chuah's favourite. We also had Fried Mac & Cheese which is irresistable as it is as well as Boneless wings which are actually like Chicken Fingers but with some spicyness in it. Not forgetting was also the Cajun-Fried Chicken Salad. Yes, we had 2 chicken salads. Crazy huh!!! Uncle Ong had a Creole Style Steak and Shrimp. Somehow, it didn't filled his tummy! Coming down to the rest, sorry to say I forgot what they have eaten because I didn't care a damn as my food was too yummy to be remembering theirs!!! LOL

All in all we had a good time there and I enjoy myself alot having an oppurtunity to gather with these seniors who are my teachers and friends. Love all of you and I gotta really thank Aunty Annie for such a wonderful dinner cos she paid for me!!! =D That means a FREE DINNER for me and of course Uncle Ong, for without him I can't be there cos he's the one driving.

Hope to catch up again next time. Signing off with LOVE <3

Sunday...

So its everybody's lazy Sunday. But I woke up at 2.30am and slept again at 6am. And woken up by Grandma at 9.30am. Was very sleepy but somehow after 2 cups of coffee, I'm fine cos Sunday is my favourite day.

So, after a bath we head out to the market for breakfast. Didn't really mind of what I'm having so I end up buying 'Char Bee Hoon' with lots of chilli and vegetables. It's one of my staple food for Sundays. Haha =] ...

Heading to the temple, we met sis Pat, one of our Sunday School members who now works in KL but she's back to Penang for a visit to her mum I think. So we walked to the temple and I had my coconut drink - 2 cups today ;-)

There was a Burmese Dana (Alms Giving) today. And during chanting, I did not understand a single word the monk was reciting :-( After the Dana, I followed Aunty JE to the market. We bought roses because she needs it for some prayers. Wow, I did not know that roses are so expensive nowadays. It used to be only 80cents, now it's RM1 per stalk. See.. my name is valuable... hahahaha... Mei Kwei = Rose.. lolx

After buying the roses, went back to the temple again and Uncle Seng told me mum called. So return her call and headed to the hospital to see her cos she says the Nursing Director wants to meet me.

Arriving at the hospital, I had to wait for almost 45minutes before I get to see the Nursing Director. Sigh. Was standing at the corridor waiting cos she had a meeting with one of her staff. And yes, I went to see her cos I got the job as a PCA 'Patient Care Assistant' as my part-time.

Somehow, I'm not excited at all of having this job. Cos I gotta wake up early to go for work. Can I request for more sleep??? hahaha.. Yes, I'm crapping alot.

Then after seeing the Nursing Director, I headed to the Linen Department and get my 2 sets of uniform. Then, walked to the temple again!

While in the temple AGAIN, I had my lunch there. Burmese cooking. Delicious but oily and salty! Not really my kinda food though.

Then Aunty Pat (another Pat ok), drove us to the Tanjung Medical Centre cos one of the Burmese boys got a very bad cut on his toes while mowing the temple's garden. And the cost of his dressing after seen by the doctor.... RM375!!! arrgghh... expensive!!!! But what could we do, he needed the treatment ASAP!

Grandma and I ended coming home around 5pm. And since then, I'm in front of my PC!

Going out again at 6.45pm... while waiting for Aunty Annie. She's coming to bring Grandma for a wedding dinner. Someone I don't know is getting married! Congrats to that person though. Hehe =) While Grandma will be at the dinner, Aunty Annie, her hubby and Calvin (my little cousin who has choclear implant on both ears) together with me will be going to Queensbay Mall... Hooray!!!

Ok, gotta run in for a shower now! Have a Happy Sunday to all there =)
Ciao! <3