HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS TO ESTABLISH DECODE YOUR LITTLE ONE’S incl GST www.xinmsn.com/motherandbaby Your favourite pregnancy, baby & toddler mag... your pregnancy & birth deliver feel-gre
Trang 1Mother & Bab
Hone
Improvement
Make the most of
your new-mum skills
TOP TIPS TO GET YOUR BABY TO NOD OFF — TONIGHT!
HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS TO ESTABLISH DECODE YOUR LITTLE ONE’S
(incl GST)
www.xinmsn.com/motherandbaby
Your favourite pregnancy,
baby & toddler mag
Trang 4To salute International Women’s Day (8 March), M&B asks experts — from a
yoga instructor to a podiatrist — who have experienced pregnancy themselves
to share strategies on making this changing event both happy and healthy.
life-by MELISSA TAN & HANNAH FOX
A Fine Sole-lution
Healthcare administrator Lee Wei Lin (left), years after graduating from the University of Salford in months, and Tien Kai, 2
“Shop for shoes in the evening as your feet tend to swell in the course of the day.”
I DECIDED TO SPECIALISE IN… Podiatry because I was interested in healthcare and my then-medical-student brother recommended it.
PROPER FOOT CARE IS IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY…
Because many expectant mothers face foot and ankle swelling
causes poor circulation of fl uids and blood from the lower part
weight Expectant mothers also often complain of heel pain, away from the heel bone, causing micro tears, resulting in infl ammation and pain.
FOR MY OWN PREGNANCY, I… Experienced foot and ankle swelling To get my blood circulation going, I tried to keep comfortable footwear.
MY TOP TIP IS… Wear comfortable, well-fi tted shoes with non-slip soles Heels may add pressure to your lower back and elevate your feet whenever you can Also, rotate your ankles with gestational diabetes should be especially careful to check caused a blister — that’s an opportunity for infection to set in.
Herb So Good
Ou Cuiliu, 35, a Traditional Chinese Medicine married to Feng Zheng Wen, 43, a manager They have two children, Kerui, 3, and Keyin, 8.
“Select nutritious food that is easy to post-partum weight gain.”
I DECIDED TO SPECIALISE IN… TCM because my grandmother and mother were both physicians themselves I feel that TCM overall health.
TCM HELPS IN PREGNANCY… Because pregnant women require different types of food at different stages of their nutritional needs During the middle stage, when the foetus is
caused by fl uid retention), Chinese herbs like poria and Chinese yam (huai shan) can relieve water retention.
FOR MY OWN PREGNANCY, I… Consumed Chinese herbs like
codonopsis (which improves the qi), ginseng, wolfberries and
cordyceps to condition my body The beverages I consumed
my diet and ginger to my soups These reduced my discomfort
and promoted the circulation of qi
MY TOP TIP IS… To select a variety of food that is nutritious, easy to digest and meets your needs This will help your pregnancy and prevent post-partum weight gain
“Visualisation is incredibly powerful during pregnancy and birth If I ever felt any concerns and fears, I imagined placing them in a hot air balloon and letting them fl oat off and I soon felt better.”
NATALHYPNOTHERAPY.CO.UK) AND MUM OF FIVE
“Visualisation is incredibly powerful during pregnancy and birth If I ever felt any concerns and fears, I imagined placing them in a hot air balloon and letting them fl oat off and I soon felt better.” tip!top
art direction LIM JAE-LYNN photography KELVIN CHIA styling CHERYL CHAN MAKEUP ANTONIO CHENG/9363-5145 MUM’S SMOCKED SILK DRESS, BY AIJEK KIDS’ OUTFITS, BY PETIT BATEAU.
Mother&BabyMarch 13
“Oh dear, I really must stick to my simple-life mantra and stop making all these impulse buys!”
Mother&BabyMarch 13 67
your life
plain seeking
Since I had to fi ght many inner demons before deciding to take the plunge and give wasn’t going to throw in the towel, just like that Certainly, our Learning to lead a simple life without a stable income is hard work, I’ve found out, but I am glad to say that I have made it, since two years have already fl own by Calm to me I’ve realised that once you’re a full-time mother, you’ll need neighbours — grandmothers, other mums, domestic helpers, supermarket cashiers — and just
a big deal? Not unless you want proud) person Slowly, I have learnt to strike up
a conversation that goes beyond a ah!” I’ve discovered that it does not not-so-perfect Mandarin or a smattering of dialect — what and how junior is doing in his weaker subjects (for example, his Mother Tongue)
I once met a “guru” — a stay-at-home mum of six kids! When I went to her home — a cosy, though simple, fi ve-room said, as long as you are in touch with your inner feelings positive people
After two years, I wouldn’t say that I am a perfect at-home mother, but I am slowly but surely getting there Of
66
Leading the simple life is turning out to be harder than what she had envisaged, confesses stay-at-home
mother Teo Kuan Yee.
Being able to lead a simple life is important when which extolls the virtues of taking detours in life,
as well as Martha Stewart’s housekeeping goddess-ambitions, I shot them “oh, c’mon” looks
Know what is important in your life, take good care
of yourself and surround yourself with positive people
standby for when my kids start their new semester)
Like a scene from the movie, Confessions Of A Shopaholic,
my storeroom is fi lled to the brim with impulse purchases — some still in their original packaging
Value for money Then comes dining out With three young sons, my domestic means that we’ll have to dine in a restaurant Most foodcourts securing two high chairs
Leading a simple life ought not be a chore, I told myself, determined to make the most out of my stay-home experience
So, I started adding value to my daily routines — by planning different breakfast menus every day and nutritious meals that for my husband I even borrow library books for my sons to list goes on
On days when I need an outlet, instead of spending an which I used to do, I now take a dip in the pool, or arrange mother-in-law to babysit)
I try to see the silver lining in every situation Instead of feeling tired from walking my eldest son to school, I focus on being distracted by the TV, or the constant demands of his attention-seeking younger brothers.
On the grow Instead of missing the offi ce camaraderie, I now revel in happy couple come fl ooding back, when my husband and encouraged me (a fence-sitter then) to start a family.
Two years into our marriage, we decided to try for a kid and our wish was granted — Ian was a cherubic baby Number our third son, Ethan, less than two years later.
Teo Kuan Yee, a freelance writer, is a mother of three sons, aged 1, 3 and 7.
After all, how diffi cult is it to live a simple life in Singapore?
Well I soon rediscovered that it’s “sale time” here almost 365
by that four-letter word urging you to spend
Despite my “strategy” of limiting shopping to only during the Great Singapore Sale or year-end cut-price blowouts, my toys (a steal at 30 per cent discount, I rationalise), bigger shoes
Marie Bowden, 32, lives in the UK with her husband Tim, and daughter Georgia, 18 months.
big babies — the facts
M&B EXPERT DR CHRISTOPHER CHONG,
A CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNAECOLOGIST AT GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL, TELLS US WHETHER BIG REALLY IS BEAUTIFUL.
In Singapore, babies weighing more than 4kg at birth are considered big
Women who deliver big babies may face several dangers There may be more trauma to their pelvic organs and muscles, more tears, an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse (where the organs fall from the original position), and stress urinary incontinence in future
As for the baby, he has an increased risk of bone fractures and nerve injuries His shoulders may get stuck after the head is delivered, resulting in physical trauma and even death
Out of consideration for the birthing mother’s pelvic bone, many gynaes will discuss the option of conducting a C-section birth if she is expecting a big baby, as this may be a safer option
your life
life story
Real-68
“I delivered aginormous baby”
Because I was seven days overdue, I had a cervical sweep (where a midwife runs her fi ngers around the entrance of the before my baby appeared
A week later, with no change apart from a show, I went to the hospital to be induced at 8am in the morning The fi rst hard contractions that I realised were the beginnings of labour
By 9pm, I was pacing the corridors with my husband, Tim, trying to speed things along Frustratingly, I didn’t because there wasn’t a midwife available to monitor me, Double great
I might have been only 3cm dilated, but I defi nitely wasn’t ready to bunk down for the night by myself, and I told her
I happily accepted her offer of a shot to help me sleep
quite a lot of pain again.
At 3am, when I was feeling a contraction every 10 minutes
or so, I wondered if there was any news on the syntocinon quickly, but I wanted my baby out After another hour, I was offered me gas and air
By 9am, my contractions were slightly more intense, though the gas and air were both really helping However, The relief when my waters popped was amazing
They fi nally put me on the syntocinon drip at noon The anaesthetist also gave me an epidural, in case I needed an while Tim had time to fuel up at the hospital café
By 2pm, I was having a contraction every few minutes, but couldn’t feel a thing, thanks to the epidural Though I
to see if she was distressed — thankfully, she wasn’t
Even though I’d been in labour for 30 hours, I didn’t and whether — my baby was ever coming out
Finally, at 2.30pm, while my legs were in stirrups and the gynae was examining me, he suddenly looked up, been here a long time and you’re only 5cm dilated — I permission papers
Ten seconds later, we were off to the operating theatre Georgia Mary was fi nally born at 3.54pm The medical team baby My bump always measured average and, because The only reason I can think of to explain Georgia’s size
is that she was two weeks overdue, and thus had extra time wouldn’t change her for the world.”
“At 4.66kg, she wasn’t the most delicate newborn I’d ever seen.”
The number of women giving birth to large babies
is increasing — Marie Bowden, 32, describes how
it feels to deliver a not-so-little newborn
time, I couldn’t believe how gorgeous she was making such a fuss about her size
But then, she was my fi rst baby, so I didn’t have anything to compare her with.
At 4.66kg, she wasn’t the most delicate newborn I’d ever seen, still, nothing about her arrival pain relief, however, the reality had been slightly different.
in his mouth? What about the fire Big Bang
Theory star Mayim Bialik came under when she advocated
months and co-sleeping, which experts frown at
While there’s nothing wrong with the idea that a parent would go to great (and sometimes bizarre) lengths in a bid
more serious question — how profi cient are you at parenting?
• An authoritarian shows little affection and sets strict rules,
expecting their child to follow them — no questions asked;
• An authoritative parent establishes clear guidelines, but is
encourages their independent strivings;
• Permissive parents are generally nurturing, warm and
a friend;
• An uninvolved mum or dad is someone who’s simply
uninterested and detached from junior’s life
Parents often exhibit a parenting style they were raised with
— in Singapore, this used to be predominantly authoritarian, Institute of Education She adds, however that many parents barrage of information on the Internet and television, they know their rights and can reason back”.
This “balanced” style of parenting, Walker reckons, generally gives rise to children who thrive academically, socially and
emotionally More so than kids whose parents are controlling,
to take the initiative, but also knowing when to ask permission.”
When determining your parenting approach, do also take into account your child’s disposition, as well as yours Every slowly Some even have a blend of traits To fi gure this out, go down to their level and observe them closely Walker, mum to Ruby Mary, 6, and Finlay Stuart, 9, agrees Her highly active son can’t sit still through any activity, which
Not sure what type of parent you are?
Then, fi nd out by taking Oprah’s favourite psychologist Dr Phil McGraw’s online quiz at www.drphil.com/articles/article/154
out!
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cover stories
march 2013
every month
10 your voiceCheck to see if your
views won you Star Letter of the month!
your pregnancy
& birth
deliver feel-great pregnancy pointers
your baby
24 as baby grows Cruise Control Track
your mini-dynamo’s movement milestones
34 in a netshell Should you talk about
your baby online?
your mini-me
46 by the bookRad reads for your
little learner
48 rearing to go Discover what type of
parent you are
54 okto pilot A Tale Of Two Kitties Local
kids’ shows to check out on TV
56 tot sense Toddler tips and titbits
your life
motherhood makes you a better woman
68 real-life storyI Delivered A
Ginormous Baby M&B mums share their
incredible tales
month’s working mother tick
72 father & baby Where fab dads
are honoured!
74 calendarDates to anticipate
& Baby
Mother
Trang 6HOT SPOT!
Connect with us on www.xinmsn.com/motherandbaby We are also on facebook
at MotherandBaby Singapore, where you
can share top tips and parenting pointers
manage better
Adrenaline-charged attractions your little action terror will love exploring this break
shop better
The Children’s Showcase
Fun finds for little fellas in this quaint lifestyle store
106 gotta get itBest buys
from the shops
On the cover
Rachael Sia with her 8-month-old daughter, Tourmaline Ho (more on our cover mum on page 95).
Art direction
Teng Chern Ling,
assisted by Lim Jae-Lynn Photography Joel Low, assisted by Alfie Pan &
Yvonne Yau
Styling Cheryl Chan
Hair & makeup
Sha Shamsi (9628-7035),
using Chanel cosmetics Rachael wears cotton tank, by American Apparel
from Eclecticism Cotton shorts, by Zara.
Tourmaline wears cotton
rompers, by Petit Bateau.
IS IT DARK ENOUGH? Though light helps regulate his body clock, too much could keep your cutie awake Blackout blinds and thick curtains block out daylight, creating a conducive environment for night light can help
CAN YOU RESPOND QUICKLY? “If your bedroom
is some distance away from your child’s room, or you’re downstairs, you may fi nd a baby monitor practical,” suggests childcare expert Rachel Waddilove Better to hear his cries before they reach full pitch!
IS HIS BED COMFY? A cot will probably be your cherub’s bed until he is 2 or 3, so it needs to be strong and sturdy without cracked or broken slats,
or jagged edges “Most cots have a drop-side which makes lifting your young ‘un in and out easier,
as well as an adjustable base which you can lower you’re buying a second-hand cot, invest in a new mattress, so you know it’s clean and fi rm
IS THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT? “Because your little one can’t regulate his own temperature, you’ll need
to keep an eye on it,” says health visitor Nicola Joseph Ideally, his room should be between 20 and 24 deg C A room thermometer can give you
an accurate indication, but as long as you feel comfortable in the room, it should be fi ne for your sleepyhead as well
HAVE YOU GOT THE RIGHT BEDDING? Cotton sheets and blankets that are easy to layer or remove will ensure that bubba sleeps at the right temperature But baby sleeping bags, such as Grobag, are becoming more popular because junior can’t kick them off, so he’s less likely to awaken in the night from the cold
ARE TOYS GETTING IN THE WAY? Mobiles fi tted securely to the side of your sweetie’s cot can help him settle, as can a comfort toy Avoid anything with long cords as they can be a choking hazard, and don’t fi ll the cot with large soft toys that could obstruct his breathing while he sleeps.
temperature But baby sleeping bags, such as Grobag, are becoming more popular because junior can’t kick them off, so he’s less likely to awaken in the night from the cold
ARE TOYS GETTING IN THE WAY?
securely to the side of your sweetie’s cot can help him settle, as can a comfort toy Avoid anything with long cords as they can be a choking hazard, and don’t fi ll the cot with large soft toys that could obstruct his breathing while he sleeps.
Mother&BabyMarch 13
76
price to pay But if, by four months, you fi nd yourself shutting your eyes really tight, willing the hubs to tend your little night owl, it may be time to take action
The good news is that you can sleep train your infant from
as early as six weeks, just make sure you’re consistent Use
M&B’s expert tips to instil smart sleep habits in your little one,
or break bad ones he may have picked up, then say “hello”
to a good night’s rest!
MAKE TIME FOR NAPPING Naps are essential for your little one’s well-being They give your baby time to organise his thoughts, plus, they’ll increase his appetite and put him in
a better mood A siesta also helps your baby sleep better at him overtired and hard to settle in the evening Sleep induces for a well-deserved rest
LET HIM SELF-SETTLE If junior learns to settle himself at bedtime, he’ll hopefully manage the same if he rouses during the night “Using the gradual retreat method helps,” sleep awake when you put him in his cot, but maintain contact, such
to nod off when you’re outside the room.
RECOGNISE HIS SLEEP CUES You can save your kewpie (and yourself) some unnecessary tears if you recognise the signs that he’s ready to sleep These include eye rubbing, yawning, crying or turning his head away from you when he’s tired “This is when you can put him in his cot with minimal fuss, and let him settle himself,” advises childcare expert Rachel Waddilove
DO NOT DISTURB
R u s h to yo u r sweetie at his
be making him
Do you feel like a slave to your sweetie’s sleep habits? Use these
tried and tested tricks to get him to
settle down — and stay that way!
snooze
operator
“All babies naturally wake up in the night as part of their sleep cycle, so give him a moment to see
Garb your little one in goodnight gear that’s both stylo and snug.
IT’S YOUR MAUVE
Ayra wears striped pyjamas,
special
tested tricks to get your baby slumbering
80 sked tacticsSuss out a suitable
sleep routine for your sweetie
Stylish go-to-sleep suits for your sleepyheads
recognise your rugrat’s dream cycle
live better
look better
the latest beauty buys
95 fresh faceA one-to-one with our
makeover mum
96 m&b beauty Sleeper Hits
Great gets that’ll help you wake up
to an even lovelier you
Trang 8Mother&BabyMarch 13
6
L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I T O R
Melissa Tan Writer
One of the most treasured moments a new mother experiences
is gazing at her newborn while he sleeps Unfortunately, these
prized instances are too few and far between, or we’re simply
too exhausted to savour them!
When my now 22-month-old son, Christian, was an infant,
he needed heaps of help to fall asleep So, I devoured
book after book by sleep experts: Whether it was Dr Sears’
attachment parenting method, or queen of routine Gina
Ford’s approach, I knew I had to find a sleep system that worked for my baby
I finally went with paediatrician Dr Marc Weissbluth’s time-it-right scheme because I felt that his studies
on natural sleep cycles made a lot of sense He emphasises how important it is to protect your baby’s nap schedules, and to put him down according to his body’s biological rhythm, when his melatonin levels are high
So, just before my maternity leave ended, we decided to give sleep-training a shot, much to the horror
of other mums (including my own) When Christian cried for nearly half an hour that first night, I was almost
in tears myself That night, though, he slept for a record six hours straight, only waking up for his night feed And he was happy as a lark On subsequent nights, he cried for shorter periods and within a week,
he was out like a light within 10 minutes and sleeping a glorious 12 hours Yes, I may gloat now, but it sure wasn’t easy then
Even now, we have to be firm about being home early enough each evening, so that Christian has time
to wind down and fall asleep by 8pm And when we’re on vacation, we often have to book a suite, so that he’ll have his dark, quiet room to fall asleep in If this routine is broken, we would sure as hell pay for it the next day
Now, as we wait for our second child to arrive in April, I get the jitters just thinking about the lack of sleep I’ll have to face Would I sleep-train him as well? In a minute, I say! That said, helping your baby sleep
well is not a one-size-fits-all deal, which is why we present different approaches in this month’s Bedtime Bliss
Special (pages 75 to 92) Nor would Mother & Baby’s slumber package be complete if we didn’t also offer
healthy sleep habit tips to instil in your little one (page 76) An Irish proverb says it best,
“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the
doctor's book.”
Trang 10MOTHER & BABY SINGAPORE is published by MediaCorp Pte Ltd, Caldecott Broadcast Centre, Andrew Road, Singapore 299939, under licence from Bauer Consumer Media Limited MCI (P) 011/01/2013 Copyright (c) is held by the publisher All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited Distributed by MediaCorp Pte Ltd Printed by timesprinters, www.timesprinters.com; prepress managed by timesprinters MediaCorp also publishes I-WEEKLY, 8 DAYS, STYLE:, STYLE: MEN, STYLE: LIVING, STYLE: WEDDINGS, MANJA and BABYCARE BOOK with SINGAPORE FHM published under licence from Bauer Consumer Media Limited and ELLE SINGAPORE under licence from Hachette Filipacchi Presse S.A.
MARCH 2013
Dr Christopher Chong
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Urogynaecologist
Gleneagles Hospital
Dr Low Kah Tzay
Consultant Paediatrician and Child Development Specialist
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Dr Chui Chan Hon
Consultant Paediatric Surgeon
Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Parkway East Hospital
Dr Adrian Wang
Consultant Psychiatrist
Gleneagles Hospital Tan Guat Choo
Lactation Consultant
Parkway Hospitals Singapore
Dr Ong Kian Chung
Principal Clinical Pharmacist
Pharmacy Department Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
panel of experts
managing director group editor vice president editorial
marketing/events circulation production sales
enquiries
Jessie Sng Corinne Ng Lesley Ngai
senior editor Julia Goh assistant editor Jassmin Peter writer Melissa Tan
creative director Tony Law associate creative director Teng Chern Ling stylist Cheryl Chan
senior designer Lim Jae-Lynn designer Regina Wong executive sub-editors Jerena Ng, Heidi Yeo senior sub-editor Tan Wei Lin
sub-editor Caroline Francis chief photographer Steve Zhu executive photographer Ealbert Ho senior photographer Kelvin Chia photographers Hong Chee Yan, Roy Lim editorial administrator Farlinzah Mahmood contributors Steven Chia, Chris Foo, Cindy Lim,
Isabel Shan, Ria Silbernick, Teo Kuan Yee, Twisstii
creative services
senior editor Joyce Lim writer Chin Chih Lin art director Gina Ang designer Nadia Amin senior manager Kevin Chum manager Farizah Eskak senior executives Clara Fang, Jason Teng senior managers Elizabeth Low, Claire Sze manager Garis Chua
head, group sales & marketing Irene Lim vice president Stephanie Tay
assistant vice president Derek Tan senior account directors Xylia Lim, Priscilla Lim associate account directors Celine Sim account managers Clara Chan, Garant Pang,
Mandee Tan, Tan Mui Kian, Emily Tang
assistant account manager Christopher Porter senior admin executive Sandra Ter
ad admin
assistant vice president Angela Chia senior manager Anne Hong executive Serene Hooi
Trang 11Pro tect
from w
ind, light rain , i
ects
help ba
by sleep on -th
e-Sleep ke
ep ba
by safe from the
sunShade
9 out of 10 mums recommend it.
On holiday
Out and about Sunny days
Trang 12He’s All Dad!
Which dad tribe does your man belong to?
Your favourite pregnancy, baby & toddler mag
MUST READ !
Tech Control
11 TRAIT SECRETS
Learn whose looks
and smarts your
baby will inherit!
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Top tips, funny stories, the ups and downs of being pregnant, or a mum…we want
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My husband and I had thought we wouldn’t be able to conceive another child as a result of the miscarriage I had suffered four years ago
We had given up on having a child after many tries and numerous disappointments When
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ESTHER RUTH KING, PASIR RIS STREET 12
ED’S NOTE: Our heartiest congratulations, Esther, on your unexpected
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Content Driven
I picked up a copy of your bumper February 2013 issue because I was really
captivated by its contents Flipping through your articles has not only cheered
me up and cleared my doubts — it has made me feel less stressed as it’s
helping me cope better with my workload I am also becoming more
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and of becoming a parent I
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& Baby has done for me, which
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1,000 followers on Twitter to tell them she had gone into labour.
For the next nine hours, Star-Stone, who runs childcare advice website www.childcareisfun.co.uk, sent regular updates
to strangers about her progress with tweets such as “Had a bacon sandwich and paracetamol Been going (active, regular contractions) since 2.30am”.
And four hours later, “Speeding up Agony Ouch.”
When Fi was in too much pain to carry on, her husband took over the posts Eventually the couple announced, via
headlines, tweeting about births is becoming more and labour to his 675,000 Twitter followers.
And there are few women who make the trip to the delivery wards without first ensuring that they have their mobile phones com revealed that 50 per cent of women text or update their
facet of our lives to the outside world hijack childbirth? Or is sharing literally every push and shove of your little one’s arrival with casual acquaintances, or even total strangers, simply a fact of modern life?
Tweet treatment Star-Stone, 36, from Staffordshire, says she does not regret sharing Oscar’s birth with strangers She says she decided to tweet during her home birth to message about labour.
“I had so many women tell me they were terrified about giving that way,” she explains.
During her 14 hours of labour, she sent a total of 29 tweets “It great support and tweeting back with lots of good advice
It really gave me something to focus on other than the pain.
“And though of course I didn’t personally know every one
of my followers, they had signed up to my tweets, so they
of Midwives, agrees that staying social during labour can same result.”
Adds psychologist Dr Saima Latif, “For many women, being
on Facebook is such an integral part of their lives that it would
“And research shows that women get a boost of the hormone oxytocin — which encourages contractions — when they feel supported and protected So, receiving nurturing device — could help labour.”
Switched off Still, Shirley Lim, 29, a mother of two, is not convinced about the positive aspects of the latest social technology She most Ashley, 3.
“Giving birth is the most primal experience we will ever have, so I think it’s a shame that we can’t embrace it without technology getting in the way,” she says.
“It should just be about you, your husband and your baby
— nobody else really matters It was important to me just to
an audience.”
During her most recent labour in August, Natalie Koh,
34, recalls being disturbed by well-meaning texts “I was in she says.
into my own little world.”
Tech me away Conversely, Jacyn Woo, 35, can’t pain Says the mother of an 18-month-old son and a 3-year- old daughter, “I can’t imagine before mobile phones I was texting and updating Facebook, became too painful to concentrate.”
She adds that labour can go on for days, which is what happened after she was induced with her daughter, so it is and keep yourself sane.
“The support of friends when you might be feeling discouraged is a real boost Having your other half with you give birth, whereas you may have friends who do.”
Too much, too soon One mother’s biggest regret is the texts she sent to friends stitched up, “I went into quite a lot of detail about my second-degree tear and now I wish I hadn’t shared quite so much I am quite
Wheatley warns that this is one of the downsides of using social media Nor is she surprised that
“For many women, being
on Facebook is such an integral part of their lives that it would be strange not to include their experiences of childbirth as well.”
Trang 13Bring this page along t
o enjoy the disc
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Trang 14ashion forward online store, www.minoravenue.com, carries clothes, footwear and accessories for children aged 0 to 8 This online store, which features stylish yet affordable pieces from around the world, boasts established brands that are the
preferred choice of celebrity parents, as well as up and
coming designers whose clothes are showcased in
fashion magazines
Buy adorable trendy pieces from brands like Mini
Rodini, Cheap Monday, The Brand and Livly from Sweden,
plus Denmark’s Soft Gallery and Popupshop It also offers
a large selection of organic apparel.
Log on to www.minoravenue.com or facebook.com/minoravenue for
more information
Stand a chance to win a www.minoravenue.com shopping voucher, worth
$100 — we have 25 to give away!
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Trang 15Mother&BabyMarch 13 13
YOUR ADVENTURE HAS JUST BEGUN LET US HELP YOU LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD.
Stash your beauty basics in a pretty pouch and keep those before baby-blues at bay Zip over to page
22 to find more cute cosmetic cases.
Makeup brush set in bag,
$79, by Cath Kidston from
Trang 16make the nest of it
You’re suddenly assailed by an urge to get things
done ahead of your baby’s arrival Whether it’s
obsessing over nursery decorations or putting
together the layette, nesting is a natural response
to impending motherhood It also helps you channel
some of that nervous energy you may have about
parenting responsibilities Accomplishing those
homey tasks makes you feel more in control, but
remember to take breaks and keep your distance
from paint and cleaning fumes
ask the expert
gag check
QI’m struggling to keep
my morning sickness under control Any tips?
AMorning sickness is
very common, occurring in about half of all pregnant women, and can be a sign that your body is adapting well
to being pregnant The symptoms, which range from light nausea to vomiting, can start very early
in your pregnancy, but will generally fade by about 12 to 14 weeks You may feel worse with sudden movements, when you are a little hungry,
or brushing your teeth To alleviate symptoms, try to eat little and often Avoiding food will only make you feel worse Always carry a snack with you, such as a banana or cereal bar, drink plenty
of water, or try some ginger tea, sweets, cookies
or other ginger-flavoured snacks If the sickness
is ongoing or you feel very unwell, it is important
to consult your GP or gynae Some women suffer from severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which may need to be treated if you aren’t able to hold down food and water
Your question is answered by midwife Chloe
climb into FittaMamma’s cute and, more
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Tops won’t ride up, while bottoms
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below the belly Prices start at £32.99
($65.30), while delivery costs £15.99 Visit
www.fittamamma.com — the website’s
also a treasure trove of prenatal fitness
inspiration and information
know? didyou
It’s important to prep your pet for a new baby
at home Use a doll that you’re carrying to train your pooch not to jump on your lap while you’re holding the “baby” Instead of lavishing your fur ball with plenty of attention, back off slightly, so it’ll get used to not being the centre of attention And once the baby is born, have your husband bring home one of your baby’s blankets for your pet to sniff
22 At 22 weeks in utero,
your little one’s pearlies are already beginning to develop below the gum line
Trang 18To salute International Women’s Day
(8 March), M&B asks experts — from a
yoga instructor to a podiatrist — who
have experienced pregnancy themselves
to share strategies on making this
life-changing event both happy and healthy
by MELISSA TAN & HANNAH FOX
art direction LIM JAE-LYNN photography KELVIN CHIA styling CHERYL CHAN MAKEUP ANTONIO CHENG/9363-5145 MUM’S SMOCKED SILK DRESS, BY AIJEK KIDS’ OUTFITS, BY PETIT BATEAU.
Trang 19Mother&BabyMarch 13 17
A Fine Sole-lution
Healthcare administrator Lee Wei Lin (left),
32, worked as a podiatrist for more than two
years after graduating from the University of Salford in
the UK with a Bachelor of Science in Podiatry Married to
civil servant Eng Zhen Hui, 32, she’s mum to Tien Wei, 3
months, and Tien Kai, 2
“Shop for shoes in the evening as your feet
tend to swell in the course of the day.”
I DECIDED TO SPECIALISE IN… Podiatry because I was
interested in healthcare and my then-medical-student brother
recommended it
PROPER FOOT CARE IS IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY…
Because many expectant mothers face foot and ankle swelling
This may be caused by various factors, such as hormonal
changes, and the growing uterus pressing on the veins, which
causes poor circulation of fluids and blood from the lower part
of your body Other common foot problems are usually weight
related as the feet learn to cope with the sudden increase in
weight Expectant mothers also often complain of heel pain, known as plantar fasciitis, where the feet flatten because of the increase in body weight The connective tissue may pull away from the heel bone, causing micro tears, resulting in inflammation and pain
FOR MY OWN PREGNANCY, I… Experienced foot and ankle swelling To get my blood circulation going, I tried to keep
my feet and toes moving while seated, and elevated my feet when it was convenient to do so I also made sure I used comfortable footwear
MY TOP TIP IS… Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles Heels may add pressure to your lower back and increase your risk of tripping Shop for shoes in the evening as your feet tend to swell in the course of the day Sit down and elevate your feet whenever you can Also, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes to keep your circulation going, even if you are in a meeting or seated at your desk Expectant mums with gestational diabetes should be especially careful to check their feet for any cuts or abrasions daily Diabetes may impair sensation and you may not realise that a new pair of shoes has caused a blister — that’s an opportunity for infection to set in
Herb So Good
Ou Cuiliu, 35, a Traditional Chinese Medicine
physician and consultant at Raffles Hospital, is
married to Feng Zheng Wen, 43, a manager They have two
children, Kerui, 3, and Keyin, 8.
“Select nutritious food that is easy to
digest to help your pregnancy and prevent
post-partum weight gain.”
I DECIDED TO SPECIALISE IN… TCM because my grandmother
and mother were both physicians themselves I feel that TCM
complements the Western approach and improves one’s
overall health
TCM HELPS IN PREGNANCY… Because pregnant women
require different types of food at different stages of their
pregnancy In the early stages, while the embryo is developing,
a normal diet of light, tasty and less greasy foods will satisfy the
nutritional needs During the middle stage, when the foetus is
growing rapidly, the mum should eat food with high nutritional
value, like mutton and beef For mums with oedema (swelling
caused by fluid retention), Chinese herbs like poria and Chinese
yam (huai shan) can relieve water retention.
FOR MY OWN PREGNANCY, I… Consumed Chinese herbs like
codonopsis (which improves the qi), ginseng, wolfberries and
cordyceps to condition my body The beverages I consumed were also nourishing and light As I was constantly nauseated during the early stages of pregnancy, I added tangerine peel to
my diet and ginger to my soups These reduced my discomfort
and promoted the circulation of qi
MY TOP TIP IS… To select a variety of food that is nutritious, easy to digest and meets your needs This will help your pregnancy and prevent post-partum weight gain
“Visualisation is incredibly powerful during pregnancy and birth If I ever felt any concerns and fears, I imagined placing them in a hot air balloon and letting them float off and I soon felt better.”
MAGGIE HOWELL, A NATAL HYPNOTHERAPIST (WWW NATALHYPNOTHERAPY.CO.UK) AND MUM OF FIVE
tip! top
Trang 20Tan Ching Ching, 35, a consultant periodontist
at the National Dental Centre, is mum to Sarah,
17 months, Ruth, 4, and Anne, 6.
“A healthy diet containing dairy products
is good for your baby’s developing teeth,
gums and bones.”
I’M A DENTIST BECAUSE… I was inspired
by my dentist father to help patients look and feel better about their oral health I specialise in managing gum diseases, bad breath, gum swelling, receding gums and dental-implant surgeries
DENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY… Because hormonal changes increase one’s risk of developing gum disease which,
in turn, can affect the health of the developing foetus Pregnant
women may experience gingivitis from the second or third
month, and this may increase in severity through the nine
months Some women may notice redness, bleeding, swelling
or tenderness in the gum tissue The severity of untreated gum
infection is equivalent to having a sore as large as the palm of your hand Numerous studies have shown a possible relationship between gum disease and pre-term low-birthweight babies
FOR MY OWN PREGNANCY… My gums bled occasionally During my first pregnancy, I was not consistent in my daily dental care as I was overwhelmed by morning sickness and tiredness To my horror, I noticed red spots on my toothbrush bristles one morning! However, once I resumed thorough brushing and flossing, the bleeding stopped
MY TOP TIP IS… Be systematic when you brush and floss and avoid sweet and starchy snacks, even though you may crave them They increase the chance of tooth decay A healthy diet containing dairy products is good for your baby’s developing teeth, gums and bones If morning sickness keeps you from brushing your teeth, consider using a bland-tasting toothpaste
— ask your dentist to recommend some brands
Bend Leader
Beam artiste Jaymee Ong, 33, who has been practising yoga for 14 years and recently starred
in Channel 5’s Point of Entry, is a certified yoga instructor
with True Yoga Married to engineer Matthew Heath, 33,
the couple are parents to Juliet, 2
“Staying active through my pregnancy
helped my recovery I had a C-section, but
I was up and about a lot quicker than if
I hadn’t been so fit.”
I STARTED PRACTISING YOGA… More than 10 years ago when
I was living in the US Besides getting a toned and lithe body, I
believe that yoga is also about awareness of your body, mind
and breath, things we pay little attention to No matter what
craziness is going on, yoga is a guiding principle in my life
YOGA HELPS IN PREGNANCY… Because it helps to improve
the body’s flexibility while strengthening your pelvic muscles,
improves blood circulation and stimulates the organs and glands
This reduces high blood pressure, which some expectant mums
may experience Physically, prenatal yoga benefits the muscles
in the neck, shoulders, hips, back, butt, knees and ankles — the body parts that are typically sore for pregnant women Stretching mobilises the joints and improves the mum’s posture, which can alleviate back aches Mentally, yoga can calm down and relax mothers-to-be
F O R M Y O W N
P R E G N A N C Y , I …
Continued exercising, though I altered it slightly in terms of intensity I would walk instead of run, and avoided certain yoga postures — such as twisting — that were not suitable during pregnancy I think that staying active through my
pregnancy helped my recovery I had a
“Communication is key Focus on talking to your spouse during and after pregnancy about how you feel, what you’re finding easy and difficult, and where you’d like your relationship as a family to go This is all key if you want your relationship to stay strong.”
DR PETRA BOYNTON, A SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EXPERT AND MUM
TO A 1-YEAR-OLD.
tip! top
Trang 21Mother&BabyMarch 13 19
C-section, but I was up and about a lot quicker than if I hadn’t
been so fit
MY TOP TIP IS… To take it slow and easy if you’re new to
yoga, and make sure you consult a prenatal yoga instructor
and doctor beforehand If you’re experienced, then maintain
your regular routine, but adjust it, so that it’s safe and benefits
both you and your baby
Damage Control
Dr Hazel Oon, in her 30s, a dermatologist at the National Skin Centre, and mum to Jake, 5, Ryan, 7, and Alastair, 9, is married to Dr Stanley Liew, 42,
an endocrinologist
“Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers
when the skin on the abdomen becomes
taut and itchy.”
I DECIDED TO SPECIALISE IN… Dermatology because
medicine is a way of life in my family — my grandfather and
parents are doctors I treat patients with a variety of skin, hair
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and nail disorders, although I specialise in acne, psoriasis and photodermatology
SKINCARE IS IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY… Because existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may flare up, while common problems that may arise include acne, melasma (dark skin discolouration during pregnancy) There are also concerns about the safety of topical steroids and antihistamines Sometimes, pregnant women mistake benign changes such
pre-as skin tags and darkened moles for cancer Montgomery’s
Trang 22Mother&BabyMarch 13
20
been there, bun that!
your pregnancy
tubercles (sebaceous glands in the nipple) may also enlarge in
pregnancy, appearing as white to yellowish bumps
Certain skin conditions are also related to pregnancy,
such as pemphigoid gestationis (an auto-immune blistering
skin disease) Diagnosis is important as some of these
pregnancy rashes can be associated with premature births
and complications
After delivery, you may shed some hair — this may not be
simply due to postpartum hair loss Sometimes, the mother
may be suffering from an iron deficiency, a thyroid problem
or a genetic female pattern hair loss
FOR MY OWN PREGNANCY… My moles darkened, new ones appeared and I had melasma My nipples were chapped from breastfeeding, although this improved with subsequent pregnancies, as I became more adept at getting baby to latch
on correctly
After each of my deliveries, my baby and I developed postpartum hair loss at around the same time — a pillow full
of hair was a sight to behold!
MY TOP TIP IS… Use a non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning to prevent pigmentation problems Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers, particularly towards the end of the pregnancy, when the skin
on the abdomen becomes taut and itchy
At Clothes’ Range
Aileen Lane, 38, is a nutritionist and image consultant at Nutri-Style Married to financial consultant Aidan Healy, 39, the couple have two sons, Joe,
8 months, and Jack, 3.
“Most people still look their best in the
types of clothes that worked prior to
getting pregnant.”
I’M AN IMAGE CONSULTANT BECAUSE… I have always been
fascinated by how choosing the right colours and shapes can
make a person look better I advise my clients on the colours
and styles that suit them, organise their wardrobe and help
with their shopping As a nutritionist, I also help people look
and feel their best by teaching them what best to eat
HOW YOU DRESS IS IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY…
Because your body shape undergoes significant changes
Surprisingly though, most people still look their best in
the types of clothes that worked prior to getting pregnant
For example, if you looked better in a straight skirt prior to
pregnancy, this will still hold true even when you are nine
months’ pregnant People sometimes think they need to
choose big, floaty garments but this is not the case Most
expectant mums still look their best in fitted clothes that
have extra tummy and bust space
FOR MY SECOND PREGNANCY, I… Was more practical and
bought clothes that would also work after the pregnancy —
it can take up to a year to get back to your original shape
Nursing tops and dresses are essential after the birth if you
plan to breastfeed, so try and find items that work before and after the baby is born
MY TOP TIP IS… To choose basic items in neutral colours that you can mix and match, and dress these up with accessories You’ll get sick of bright prints and colours if you end up wearing them week after week Friends are also a lifesaver
— you might be able to get several bags of maternity wear from them Choose basic items you can wear your way and avoid those that aren’t “you”
“This stretch really helps: Sit on the edge of a chair with your legs hip-width apart, then lift your right foot so that your ankle rests on your left knee This stretches the muscles in your bum, which can become tight and cause pain.”
CARON BOSLER, A PILATES TEACHER (WWW.CARONBOSLERPILATES COM) AND MUM TO AMANEE, 10 MONTHS.
tip! top
“When getting in and out of the car, try to keep your knees close together and get both of your legs out of the car, before attempting to stand
This will prevent your back and pelvis from taking too much strain — a must when you’re in your third trimester.”
CATHERINE RICHARDS, A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR AND MUM OF TWO.
tip! top
Trang 23KARIHOME ADVERTORIAL
Nutritional Value
Specially formulated to enhance the natural goodness
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• Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.
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Up and Pre-School Formula
They also contain probiotics and prebiotics to maintain a healthy digestive system and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract
MILK
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Karihome Goat Milk offers a wide
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Packed with essential nutrients like calcium, proteins
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it may be tricky to find one that suits your child Read
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Easy To Digest
If your little one has a sensitive stomach, it may be hard
for him to digest cow’s milk Due to a difference in protein
profile, the fat globules found in goat’s milk are smaller
than those in cow’s milk This may be the reason why
they can be broken down more easily in our body, and
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Trusted Choice
Made from milk by goats predominantly fed on pasture
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From top: Karihome Goat Milk Growing-Up Formula and Pre- School Formula
recommends exclusive breastfeeding
for the first 6 months of life Unn
ecessary introduction of bottle-feeding or other food
and drinks will have a negative impact on
breastfeeding After 6 months of a
ge, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while
breastfeeding continues for up to 2
years of age or beyond Consult your doctor
before deciding to use infant formula or if
you have difficulty breastfeeding.
Trang 24Mother&BabyMarch 13
22
STOCKISTS Agnès B Level 2 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, 6738-3217 Francfranc #02-41 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-8077
Prints #04-26 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6884-7068 Tatty Marsh #02-07 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, 6887-4225 Victoria’s Secret #B2-19
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, 6723-7999 www.zalora.sg
your pregnancy
hold,
so pretty!
These sweet sacks deliver bags of style when you whip out your makeup for that
touch-up…
photography HONG CHEE YAN styling LIM JAE-LYNN
$39.95, by Apple & Bee from
Vanity case, $69, by Cath Kidston
from Tatty Marsh.
IN FULL BLOOM
Makeup pouch, $46, by
Marimekko from Prints.
cosmetic case, $69, by Cath
Kidston from Tatty Marsh.
and toiletries bag, $79, by Apple
& Bee from www.zalora.sg
FUN SHINE
Sequinned cosmetic pouch, $53,
by Victoria’s Secret.
Trang 25Keep your fidgety little fella amused with a stimulating stroller
toy while he’s on the move Roll over to page 40 to find fun
fribbles you shouldn’t leave home without!
Light and sound musical buggy bar, $79, from Early Learning Centre
(#05-32 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, 6732-0102)
photography KELVIN CHIA art direction REGINA WONG
MODEL CARTER BURGESS, 6 MONTHS
Trang 26will be very jerky Her chin will quiver, her hands will
tremble and she’ll startle easily with every sudden move,
or if she hears a loud sound (the Moro reflex) She may
even cry, so comfort her by holding her close to your
body, or swaddle her in a blanket
will improve after the first month, giving way to much
smoother arm and leg movements, which might look
like she’s riding a bicycle
Before your mini-dynamo can run into your arms, she’ll need to develop her agility and boost her strength Use this guide to track her movement
tummy time, so she’ll learn to lift her head and neck and develop her upper-body strength Once her muscles strengthen, she’ll be able to raise her chest and look around to see what’s going on
support and might also enjoy rolling around As her limbs become stronger, she’ll be kicking and thrashing her hands about and tugging at the toys on her play-gym Prop her as she tries to stand and watch her bounce
Trang 28be surprised if she starts doing it backwards first Place
her favourite toy in front of her, just out of her reach, to
encourage her to move forwards Don’t fret if she isn’t
crawling yet — some babies prefer to shuffle about on
their bottoms Others bypass crawling altogether and
go straight to walking
your house Put safety catches on all cupboard doors and
lock up dangerous substances Plug sockets with covers
when not in use and keep appliance cords out of her reach
position and cruise around the house by holding onto the furniture for support Offer opportunities to help her master mobility, such as by getting her to toddle over by sitting a few steps away and holding
a favoured toy
developed, she’ll be itching to do a lot of things on her own, including feeding Let her have a go — every spill means she’s getting closer to achieving a new skill — but be prepared to mop up the mess!
Trang 30improved She’s also mastered squatting, stooping,
waving and pointing She may have even taken her
first wobbly steps At first, she’ll only manage one or
two steps on her own before toppling over — boost
her confidence with lots of praise
Let her walk barefoot and help her strengthen her leg
muscles by holding her hands as she tries putting her
body weight on her feet Give her a push-and-pull toy,
so that she can develop her leg muscles and practise
her balancing skills indoors as well
climbing and is yearning for more adventures Buy her
a tricycle and let her pedal on it Or get a LIKEaBIKE, specially designed to help your tyke ride a two-wheeler without pedals She’ll perfect her gross motor skills, since she needs to maintain her balance and use her feet to push herself along
lady needs more freedom, but has no concept of danger So, keep a close eye on her If she wants to climb the stairs, let her Just make sure there’s nothing
to trip over and you’re there to catch her if she falls
Trang 32learn how to run, although he won’t master consistent hopping and skipping until he’s 4 or 5 They are not easy milestones, so give him lots of praise and moral support.
making his first successful jump
— all legs and no arm movements Encourage him to keep practising and he’ll soon learn how to swing his arms, which gives him added momentum to take off!
of his limbs, your child might star t displaying aggressive behaviour, such as hitting and biting He might be ac ting out of frustration, since he can’t express himself verbally yet It’s not really his fault, so reprimand him in a gentle manner
is 3, he would have mastered basic movements and he’ll be walking and running faster than you So,
make sure your own skills can keep
up with his!
Trang 34Hop down to HarbourFront Centre for exciting deals, promotions and events from 1 to 31 March 2013.
For more information, call 6659 0292 or visit #03-11
Promotion is only valid from Mondays to Fridays Excludes weekends and
public holidays.
Han Language Centre
• Enjoy waiver of registration fee
(UP $30) when you enrol in any
course at Han Language Centre (HarbourFront)
For more information, call 6377 8892 or visit #03-52
Promotion is only valid from 23 to 31 March 2013.
PriceBreaker
• Free limited edition Club Med arm pouch with every booking of 3D2N Club Med Cherating from $810
Package Inclusions:
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For more information, call 6317 2888 or visit #03-16
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Booking period: till 31 March 2013 Travel period: 1 May to 31 October 2013 Package rates include airport taxes Compulsory membership fee of $60 per adult is applicable Not valid in conjunction with other promotional offers or discounts.
Modern Maternity
• Enjoy 15% off storewide onregular items
For more information, call 6276 1009
or visit #02-90
Bella Luna
• Book a Prenatal ComfortSoothing Massage ($48 for 45min) and receive a free Back Massage
(30min) for dads-to-be
• Book a Postnatal Energizing Massage Therapy($48 for 60min) and receive a free Baby Massage(30min) for your newborn or Back Massage (30min) for dads-to-be
For more information, call 6275 3818 or visit #02-65
Valid for one time use only Promotion is valid till newborn is three months old Prenatal massage is for mums-to-be between four to eight months pregnant Not valid with other promotions.
nts 2013.
Mod d ern
Terms & Conditions
All offers are valid from 1 to 31 March 2013, unless otherwise stated Offers are valid at HarbourFront Centre outlets only Redemptions are on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last Other terms and conditions apply.
• Free flow of red/white wine, beer and beverages during Lunch & Dinner
• All day unlimited Bar and Snacking (at selected times)
• All sports activities
• Unique nightly entertainment
Trang 35Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily Customer Service Hotline: 6377 6311 www.harbourfrontcentre.com.sg facebook.com/HarbourFrontCentreSG
Stock up on your parenting needs and
be thrilled by attractive discounts at this
baby fair You’ll get to enjoy up to 80%
discount and greater savings on selected
Hosted by Bikram YogaDate: 3 March 2013
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Venue: North Atrium
Watch yogis stretch into 7 postures in
a 3-minute routine for a chance to win
an annual unlimited pass at Bikram Yoga worth $2,900 and compete in the International Asana Championship
Bouncing Good Fun
Date: 20 to 22 March 2013
Time: 12pm to 8pm
Venue: Central Atrium
Enjoy complimentary use of the bouncy castle with a minimum spending of
$10* at HarbourFront Centre Simply present a single same-day receipt for entry Open to children aged 3 to 10 years only Parental supervision is advised
*Other terms and conditions apply.
Events may be subjected to change without prior notice All images shown are for illustration
purposes only.
Cruisin' Fun Lucky Draw
Spend $50* for a chance in the draw
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Sail away on a 2N cruise^ for 4 on SuperStar Virgo worth $2,400 and $500 Mapletree vouchers+
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3 months Bikram Yoga pass worth $900
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Bring your camera and
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^ Valid for travel from April 2013 to Sep 2013, excluding 1 May, 24 May - 30 Jun, 7 & 9 Aug 2013 $88 port taxes per person ($70 passenger handling charges
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# Limited to 1 gift redemption per shopper per day on
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11 to 31 March 2013
Trang 36it’s become routine to post a Twitter or Facebook
update before we’ve even finished breakfast — and
that post could actually be just about breakfast! No
group is more devoted to online socialising than new mums
eager to share their trials and tribulations of parenthood In
fact, a survey done by askamum.co.uk, a UK parenting website,
revealed that 24 per cent of women even updated their status
during labour
For many mums, online news feeds are also a way to
update others with stories, pictures and thoughts relating to
their new bundle of joy Celebrities have also jumped on this
bandwagon Reality star Khloé Kardashian Odom revealed
Is there a downside to detailing junior’s journey
through life via social media? Jassmin Peter
& Katherine Spenley explore the potential
dangers of this modern way of sharing.
in a
netshell
It isn’t easy to erase your cutie’s digital footprint, but if you want to clean up your little
one quickly, use Huggies Natural Baby Wipes
($3.95/pack of 80 sheets) Free from alcohol, soap and fragrance, and made from natural fibres, these vitamin E- and aloe vera-rich wipes won’t irritate your tot’s skin Perfect, too, if he has sensitive skin Since each sheet is thick, soft and absorbent, you’ll need fewer to clean junior thoroughly
of harmless sharing… Or is it?
your baby
Trang 37As your active tot grows, diaper-changing may feel like
a tug of war, especially if you’re using a regular diaper Featuring soft, stretchy sides, Huggies® Ultra Pants is designed to be worn like underwear, so you can slip your baby into the diaper, even when he is crawling, sitting or standing Simply tear the side seams away to remove the pants when it's soiled — no more fretting about finding a clean changing station!
*Akin, et al Pediatric Dermatology 2001
Look out for Huggies ® promotions in stores from 1 to 31 March 2013 Join Huggies ® Facebook page (www.facebook/Huggies.SG) for updates on the latest promotions.
id you know that your baby’s skin is a third
thinner than an adult’s? Since his delicate skin
is sensitive and more prone to irritation, you'll
need to take extra care to protect his bottom
S
SK I N - F R IE N D L Y IN G R E D I E N T S
Clinically proven* to help prevent diaper rash, the liner
of Huggies® Ultra Pants contains natural extracts of aloe
vera, vitamin E and camomile, which are known to reduce
redness and protect skin from irritation
The super absorbent Quick Dry Layer locks moisture
away immediately and prevents leakage, so your
baby’s skin is kept dry for up to 12 hours This helps to
prevent nappy rash, eve if you don’t change the diaper
immediately Best of all, the breathable
soft material keeps your baby’s bottom
fresh and dry, so he can concentrate on
exploring his surroundings for a
longer period
Trang 38Mother&BabyMarch 13
36
Staying in touch
Posting a call-out on Facebook or Twitter for advice on how to
get your baby to sleep is as common today as chatting about
it with a neighbour was in our grandmother’s generation
For many of us, social networks offer a great way to keep in
touch Jean Lim-Johnson, mum to 8-month-old Cheryl, says,
“My husband’s family lives in Canada, so having a Facebook
account allows me to keep them updated on how Cheryl is
doing It also lets them feel like they’re part of her life as they
celebrate milestones with us, like when she crawled for the
first time.”
But just because there are benefits to sharing details
about your sweetie, does it mean you have the right to? The
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child asserts
that children are entitled to privacy, and governments must
protect that right
Professor Simon Chesterman, dean at the National University
of Singapore’s Faculty of Law, notes that Singapore lacks formal
privacy protections He also adds that there aren’t any legal
restrictions if parents post pictures of their own and other
people’s children, as long as they are not defamatory, obscene
or for commercial purposes, such as advertising
“To me, the bigger question is whether what is shared is
sensible,” Prof Chesterman says “I think many parents are a
little blasé about putting personal information of their kids up
on the Web without being fully aware of the risks, which can
range from reputational damage, to the possibility of being
preyed on by unsavoury individuals.”
Net smart
While most mums follow a common-sense approach to what
they post online, changes in technology can leave information
worryingly exposed Explains Graham Jones, a psychologist who
specialises in the Internet, “The point of social networks is to
have a platform where people and ideas meet In many cases,
default privacy settings aren’t geared up to keep information
exclusive within a group of people, unless you change them
Without extra protection, one’s private details can become
public knowledge.”
Even if you minimise access, the very fact that it’s a social
phenomenon can compromise your youngster’s privacy “The
people you talk to online — many of whom you might not know
well — can access your information and photos, including
those of your baby,” warns social media expert Alex Kelleher
“And, sometimes, their friends might have access to it as well.”
Many of us don’t know where to draw the line when we
share information online, simply because we forget where we
are “For sociable people, it’s easy to get caught up in online
“Before you post anything, always ask yourself, if you were on stage at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, would
you still be happy to share the information?”
chats, and treat them like face-to-face conversations,” Jones points out “Before you post anything, always ask yourself, if you were on stage at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, would you still be happy to share the information?”
Wall to wall coverage
Shalini Nair was an avid Facebook fan before her son Joshua, who is now 1, arrived And she continued to post updates even after his birth “Facebook was a lifeline, it kept me in touch with everyone in one space and saved my sanity in the early weeks after giving birth,” she recalls “I’d post photos, talk about my feelings and the funny things that Joshua had been doing.” But as her circle of friends changed, Shalini started getting
“friend” requests from people she barely knew and felt very conscious and cautious about the pictures she posted
“Thankfully, I didn’t post any photos of Joshua in the bath
as I was worried about paedophiles and ‘trolls’ (people who deliberately post nasty comments).”
These fears may also explain why previously prolific sharers are starting to rein it in English singer Lily Allen used to post regular Tweets during her pregnancy, but after delivering her
in a netshell
thank you for sharing
n MARIAH CAREY often tweets about her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, who even have their own Twitter hashtag (#dembabies)
n UNA HEALY from English-Irish girl band The Saturdays tweeted about everything — from shopping for her new arrival to antenatal classes
— during her pregnancy
n THE BECKHAMS Posh Spice Victoria shared her favourite pregnancy products and titbits about family life via Twitter, while her soccer star hubs David posts his favourite photos on Facebook However, in 2011, the couple learnt a valuable lesson about the ugly side of technology when the Christmas card they’d sent to a select group of journalists, featuring their four topless children, was leaked online and posted
on various websites
CAN’T STOP WAXING LYRICAL ABOUT YOUR MINI-ME ONLINE? THEN YOU ARE IN VERY GOOD COMPANY…
Trang 40Mother&BabyMarch 13
38
baby, she simply tweeted “totes amaze (totally amazing)”,
and revealed no further details Still, it’s tough to escape the
power of social media, because Allen’s mum revealed on her
own Facebook page that the newborn’s name was Ethel Mary
Hit delete
It’s every mum’s priority to protect her child, so it’s good to
be cautious about the kind of pictures and comments you
share online
Kelleher warns, “Once something is up on the Web, it’s
difficult or virtually impossible to remove it Information is stored
as code on massive ‘servers’, which also host the websites
themselves When you delete items from the Web, all you’re
really doing is hiding them from view — they still exist on the
server for someone clever to ‘unhide’ Or the information could
have been copied and passed on to someone else before you
had a chance to delete it.”
This means that the photographs you post now could be
uncovered when your little cutie is all grown up and climbing
up the career ladder A tricky issue if your kiddo grows up to
be a teacher or Prime Minister — imagine the media spectacle!
He adds that as your child grows, he’ll want to assert his own identity And if his ideas about himself and his ambitions differ from those you’ve shared with the world, there’s always
a chance that he’ll lose his self-confidence
Keeping counsel
Since cyberspace is constantly evolving, we won’t be able
to foresee any other potential pitfall for at least the next five years By that time, Jones hopes technology itself will have solved this issue
“Online privacy is a huge trend for 2013 Companies will
be looking at how they can offer better privacy settings and protect their users, especially since more of us are moving our social networks onto smartphones, which don’t store data even
if they’re used to browse the Internet These personal details won’t be stored unless you do it yourself.”
But for now, experts agree that if you take the necessary steps, you can ensure that only the right people are involved
in your baby’s life online and you shouldn’t stop embracing all the opportunities the World Wide Web has to offer
Lim-Johnson sums up, “I love Facebook and Twitter — I need them to keep me linked to the world The odd photo
of my child or comment about her cute habits isn’t going to change a thing.”
If you can’t wait to se e your preschooler in
Mother &
Baby magazine, here’s you r chance.
Upload your little one’s (up to age 4) best p
hotos on mother&babymail@
mediacorp.com.sg, along with his/her nam
e and date of birth, as well as your name, age, contact number and address We’ll be in touc
h if your child is chosen by the editorial team for a s
hoot
in a netshell